Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, thousands of Pakistanis with valid visas and confirmed tickets are facing a travel nightmare as flights to the Gulf remain suspended.

Former Vice President of the Overseas Employment Promoters Association, Adnan Paracha, said the escalating conflict has pulled Gulf countries into uncertainty, badly affecting flight operations from Pakistan. He explained that connectivity to key Gulf destinations has dropped sharply, especially to the UAE, which previously handled the bulk of manpower travel.

Airlines including Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia and Etihad Airways had been operating frequent flights from Pakistan, transporting workers abroad. However, services to the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar are currently on hold, dealing a major blow to the aviation sector.

Saudi Arabia is operating limited flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, mainly for Umrah pilgrims. Fares have surged dramatically. Tickets that previously cost Rs 65000 are now unavailable even at Rs 110000 to Rs 120000, adding to passengers’ distress.

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Sources said around 15 aircraft were grounded at Karachi airport when the conflict began on the 28th, but they later departed as airspaces briefly reopened.

Despite the crisis, westbound flights to Europe and the United States are still operating through two main gateways: Turkey and Riyadh. Pakistan International Airlines flights to Canada and London are using alternative routes via Central Asia, bypassing Iranian and Afghan airspace.

Middle East routes, however, remain largely suspended.