Severe disruption hit air travel across the country as adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of 70 flights, affecting both domestic and international operations.
According to airport sources, several flights departing from major airports, including Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, were grounded as a precaution. A number of services bound for Gulf destinations were cancelled due to the combined impact of weather disturbances and security concerns.
In Lahore alone, 12 flights scheduled to fly to destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha, Dammam, Jeddah and Fujairah were cancelled. Peshawar reported 10 flight cancellations, while Islamabad saw 23 flights grounded. Karachi experienced the highest number, with 27 flights cancelled.
Airport officials said the situation emerged amid heightened security concerns in the region, particularly related to tensions involving Iran and Saudi Arabia. According to Express News, they also pointed to recent statements and threats linked to former US president Donald Trump, which have added to uncertainty for international carriers operating in the region.
Due to these factors, both local and international airlines opted to suspend or delay operations as a precautionary measure. Officials noted that flight schedules were partially disrupted, with some routes temporarily halted to ensure passenger safety and to avoid potential risks.
Passengers were advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines and check updated schedules before heading to the airport. Authorities also recommended that travellers confirm their flight status in advance, as conditions may continue to change depending on weather and regional developments.
The disruption has caused inconvenience for many passengers, with several reporting delays in travel plans and uncertainty about rescheduled flights.
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