Flights amid the ongoing US Iran war remain suspended for the fifth consecutive day, causing significant disruption to Pakistan’s aviation industry and raising wider concerns regarding regional stability.
Sources from the airports have confirmed that 155 flights were cancelled from major airports, including Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, as well as airports in Karachi, Islamabad, and other cities.
Airlines forced to cancel and reroute flights
The persistent closure and restrictions in the regional airspace have greatly impacted both domestic and international travel.
Airlines have been forced to either cancel or reroute flights to get around conflict zones, resulting in operational disarray and increasing financial losses amid the US Iran war.
Authorities have indicated that discussions between domestic and international airlines and airport officials are currently taking place to evaluate when services can safely resume.
Any decision regarding the restoration of operations will depend on the evolving security situation.
Flights from Lahore to significant destinations such as Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Jeddah, Doha, Kuwait, Iran, and Iraq were among those that were cancelled.
Services to Saudi cities like Dammam and Riyadh were also suspended after reports indicated that airports there faced temporary closures due to rising tensions.
US Iran war continues entering fifth day
Conflict in the Middle East has now reached its fifth day following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of the nation’s supreme leader.
In retaliation, Iran has been conducting attacks against Israel and US-aligned nations in the Gulf, targeting not only military installations but also civilian areas and energy infrastructure.
The situation has rapidly intensified, with Cyprus and Lebanon becoming involved in recent days, leading to increasing casualties and destruction on all fronts.
On 28 February, the US and Israel executed extensive strikes aimed at Iran’s missile capabilities, military installations, and leadership in Tehran and throughout the nation.
During the initial wave of attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been in power since 1989, was killed.
The Israeli military further reported that numerous other high-ranking officials from the influential Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) also lost their lives.
Read more: More than 500 flights cancelled by various airports in Pakistan
