PIA Suspends Flights Amid Middle East Airspace Closures
By Zeeshan Naseem :
Pakistan International Airlines has temporarily suspended all flights to multiple Gulf destinations, joining a growing list of carriers forced to adjust operations as Middle East airspace closures disrupt regional aviation.
The national carrier announced Saturday that services to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Doha, and Kuwait would remain grounded until at least Sunday evening, depending on when affected airspace reopens .
Alternative Routes for Saudi Flights
While flights to Saudi Arabia will continue operating, they will follow altered routes to avoid restricted zones. PIA has shifted these services to Boeing 777 aircraft, which will take longer paths to reach their destinations, the airline’s spokesperson confirmed .
The decision reflects the cascading impact of regional airspace closures following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Israel, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, and other nations have shut their skies to civilian traffic, forcing airlines to reroute or cancel services entirely .
Passenger Advisory
The national carrier urged affected passengers to contact its call center at 111-786-786 for flight information and booking changes . The airline advised travelers to check flight status before departing for airports, as schedules remain fluid.
Regional Aviation Meltdown
PIA joins Emirates, flydubai, Qatar Airways, and numerous international carriers in suspending or curtailing Middle East operations. The closures have stranded thousands of passengers across the region, with Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Dubai International Airport reporting significant disruptions.
For PIA, the suspensions affect a key market where millions of overseas Pakistanis live and work. The airline’s decision to maintain Saudi flights using alternative routes aims to preserve connections for pilgrims and workers while ensuring safety amid the volatile security situation.
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