Pakistan’s aviation sector is facing a severe disruption as the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to impact flight operations across the region. Thousands of passengers have cancelled their travel plans, with more than 110,000 travelers seeking ticket refunds due to widespread flight suspensions.
According to airport sources, the affected passengers were scheduled to travel from Pakistan to destinations including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Iraq and Azerbaijan.
The uncertainty surrounding airspace safety and ongoing hostilities has forced airlines to cancel numerous flights, creating chaos for passengers and heavy financial losses for airlines and travel businesses.
Over 90 flights cancelled in a single day
The impact of the crisis was evident on Monday when more than 90 flights were cancelled across major airports in Pakistan, including Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.
Authorities say flight operations remain disrupted as airlines continue to adjust schedules based on evolving security conditions in the region.
Over the past 17 days, the situation has escalated significantly. Aviation data shows that around 1,955 flights have been cancelled from airports in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Peshawar and Quetta.
These cancellations have resulted in billions of rupees in losses for airlines, while travel agents are also facing financial setbacks.
Read More: Islamabad Airport to Suspend Flights for Two Hours on March 17
Global aviation disruption intensifies
The crisis is not limited to Pakistan. According to data shared by airlines and travel agencies, the ongoing conflict has led to the cancellation of more than 55,000 flights worldwide, pushing the aviation industry toward a broader crisis.
Airspace restrictions, security threats and rerouting of flights have significantly increased operational challenges for airlines globally.
In one incident highlighting the risks, an Emirates flight (EK-623) from Lahore to Dubai was forced to return midway due to security concerns. The aircraft, carrying over 100 passengers, landed safely back in Lahore.
Travel agents and businesses hit hard
The disruption has also severely impacted Pakistan’s travel industry.
Khawaja Ayub Naseem, a leader of the Travel Agents Association, said agents typically earn between Rs1,000 and Rs3,000 per international ticket, but the wave of cancellations and refunds has wiped out their earnings.
He noted that this period usually sees a surge in travel due to Eidul Fitr, with overseas Pakistanis returning home and pilgrims heading for Umrah. However, the suspension of flights has disrupted these seasonal travel plans.
Travel agents say new bookings have nearly stopped, worsening the financial strain on the sector.
Read More: PIA Suspends Flights to UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain After Middle East Tension
Limited operations continue on select routes
Despite the widespread disruption, airport authorities say that some international routes remain operational.
Flights are still running to destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Muscat, Europe, Canada, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka, while services to several Middle Eastern countries remain suspended or limited.
Officials say the situation remains fluid, and flight operations will depend on how regional security conditions evolve in the coming days.
