UAE airlines cancellations have caused disruption to several flights to Pakistan following rising tensions and cross-border clashes between India and Pakistan. Several major carriers, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, and flydubai, have been forced to cancel or reroute flights to and from Pakistan after the country closed its airspace.
Etihad Airways confirmed on Wednesday that flights to and from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad had been canceled due to airspace restrictions. The airline also announced that some flights would be rerouted to avoid restricted zones, which could result in longer flight times.
Emirates Airline also suspended services between Dubai and Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. The airline stated that passengers on connecting flights to these destinations would be affected as well. Travelers were advised to stay updated through Emirates’ official website.
Details of the Ongoing UAE Airlines Cancellations
In addition to UAE airlines cancellations, flydubai confirmed that flights to Karachi were operating according to schedule. However, the airline noted that other services to Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot had resumed. While flights to and from Pakistan are being closely monitored, passengers have been advised to check for updates regularly.
Qatar Airways also joined in suspending flights to Pakistan due to the ongoing closure of airspace. The airline announced this decision via its social media platforms, further adding to the UAE airlines cancellations that have impacted travelers.
Context of Airspace Closure and Conflict
The closure of Pakistani airspace follows recent military confrontations between India and Pakistan. India reportedly launched airstrikes on various targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, to which Pakistan responded by shooting down several Indian fighter jets and carrying out retaliatory strikes. As a result, the airspace closure has created significant disruption for international flights, with UAE airlines cancellations being just one of the many consequences of this ongoing conflict.
Travelers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest updates, as the situation remains fluid and subject to change.