Air operations remain suspended for fifth day amid Iran-US war
2026-03-04 - 20:13
155 flights cancelled across Pakistan Air operations linked to the ongoing Iran-US conflict remained suspended for the fifth consecutive day, triggering severe disruption to Pakistan’s aviation sector and raising broader concerns about regional stability. Airport sources confirmed that 155 flights were cancelled from major airports, including AllamaIqbal International Airport in Lahore, as well as airports in Karachi, Islamabad, and other cities. The continued closure and restrictions in regional airspace have significantly affected both domestic and international travel. Airlines have been forced to either cancel or reroute flights to avoid conflict zones, leading to operational chaos and mounting financial losses. Authorities said consultations between domestic and foreign airlines and airport officials are underway to assess when services can safely resume. Any decision regarding restoration of operations will depend on the evolving security situation. Flights from Lahore to key destinations — including Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Jeddah, Doha, Kuwait, Iran, and Iraq — were among those cancelled. Services to Saudi cities such as Dammam and Riyadh were also suspended after airports there reportedly faced temporary closures due to escalating tensions. Beyond flight disruptions, the broader conflict has reportedly resulted in significant human casualties in affected regions, with dozens feared dead and many more injured due to missile and drone strikes. While Pakistan has not reported direct casualties from the conflict, aviation authorities remain on high alert to safeguard passengers and crew amid fears of potential spillover risks. The aviation industry is facing substantial financial damage. Airport officials estimate that billions of rupees in losses have already been incurred by local and international airlines due to grounded aircraft, passenger reimbursements, accommodation costs, fuel adjustments, and disrupted cargo operations.