Despite the full restoration of Pakistan’s airspace following the cessation of Pakistan-India hostilities on Saturday, flight operations across the country remained significantly disrupted, with more than 150 flights cancelled amid ongoing uncertainty and logistical challenges.
According to aviation sources, dozens of flights remained in a state of flux. On Sunday alone, 45 flights from Karachi (including 39 international), 38 from Lahore (including 32 international), 40 from Islamabad (including 36 international), 11 from Peshawar, 10 from Multan, and 6 from Sialkot were cancelled, as per the official flight schedule.
Conversely, over 25 flights did operate from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, and Quetta.
Major foreign carriers have cancelled approximately 125 inbound and outbound flights, causing widespread disruption for international travellers. Many flights between Karachi and Lahore or Islamabad are being rerouted via Quetta due to the continued closure of the Rahim Yar Khan flight corridor.
As per a Notice to Airmen (Notam) issued by aviation authorities, the Rahim Yar Khan air route will remain closed until 5 am on May 18th. Flights from Gulf countries to cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad are now experiencing longer durations due to necessary detours.
The airport had sustained partial damage in an Indian airstrike on Friday.
Meanwhile, airlines are making concerted efforts to maintain the ongoing Hajj operations, striving to ensure continuity despite the operational hurdles at major airports.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) had announced on Saturday the full reopening of the country’s airspace for all categories of flights.
This announcement followed US President Donald Trump’s statement that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire after Pakistan’s military response to Indian aggression.
Trump had stated that Pakistan and India had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” following four days of strikes and counter-strikes against each other’s military installations.
Pakistan’s foreign minister also confirmed that both countries had agreed to a ceasefire “with immediate effect,” and India’s foreign ministry indicated that it would commence at 5 pm Indian time (1130 GMT).
While airports nationwide resumed standard operations, a PAA spokesperson advised travellers to maintain contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on revised flight schedules.
The airspace had been previously closed due to escalating tensions at the Line of Control (LoC), with an extension in place until noon on May 11th before Saturday’s abrupt reversal.
The most recent surge in the decades-long Pakistan-India rivalry commenced on May 7th when at least 31 civilians were killed in an unprovoked Indian cross-border attack.
In response, Pakistan downed five IAF fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and numerous drones.
