ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Twelve international carriers have started flight operations nationwide, indicating an improvement in the overall flight schedule, which is a positive development for air travel.
Additionally, there are now only 50 flight cancellations across all airports, a substantial decrease from the previous total. This suggests that following recent upheavals, things are gradually returning to normal.
According to aviation sources, attempts are being made to resume regular Hajj flight operations.
The most recent flight schedule shows that 15 flights from Karachi, 14 from Lahore, and 23 from Islamabad have been cancelled. There have also been four cancellations in Peshawar, two in Sialkot, and one in Faisalabad.
Flight operation between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed after a temporary suspension, with flights now operating from major UAE airports to several cities in Pakistan.
UAE aviation officials confirmed that flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Pakistan are back in service. Dubai Airport has restarted flights to major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, Islamabad, and Peshawar.
The first flight to Islamabad is scheduled for May 12, and flights to Peshawar will begin on May 13.
A notice issued by aviation authorities states that this air corridor will remain closed until 5AM on May 18. As a result, flights from Gulf countries to cities like Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad are facing longer travel times.
In Abu Dhabi, flights to Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore have also resumed. However, some flights have been rescheduled, and passengers are advised to check with airlines or airport customer service for the latest updates. Authorities expect all flight schedules from Abu Dhabi to return to normal by May 12.
Meanwhile, airlines are making efforts to continue Hajj flights despite challenges at some major airports. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) recently announced that the country’s airspace is fully open for all types of flights, following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, which came after a military response by Pakistan to Indian aggression.
