42 flights cancelled, 68 delayed across Pakistan amid Gulf tensions

Flight operations at major airports across Pakistan were disrupted on Friday amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region. According to airport sources, 42 flights were cancelled, while another 68 were delayed, leaving thousands of passengers uncertain about their travel plans.

The disruptions affected several airports, with flight delays ranging from two to seven hours. Passengers travelling for work, family visits and religious purposes faced difficulties as airlines dealt with changes to their schedules.

Umrah pilgrims among passengers hardest hit

Passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia were among those most affected by the disruption. Umrah pilgrims faced particular difficulties as flight cancellations threatened to disrupt their travel plans and religious journeys.

Many pilgrims arrange hotels, transport and other services before leaving Pakistan. Sudden flight cancellations can affect these arrangements and may lead to additional costs or changes to planned visits.

Airport sources said security concerns had led to the cancellation of several flights at airports across Saudi Arabia, contributing to the disruption in Pakistan. However, the available information did not identify the specific security concerns behind each cancellation or explain how individual airlines handled the affected passengers.

Lahore airport reports 13 flight cancellations

Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore recorded 13 flight cancellations and 12 delays, according to airport sources.

The disruption affected passengers travelling to and from Lahore, leaving some uncertain about their departure and arrival times. Lahore is a major departure point for international travellers, including those heading to Gulf destinations and Saudi Arabia.

Passengers waiting for arriving flights may also have faced difficulties, particularly if they had arranged transport or planned onward journeys based on the original schedule. Travellers were advised to check their flight status with their airlines before leaving for the airport.

Karachi airport records 10 cancellations

Karachi airport reported 10 flight cancellations and 13 delays, according to airport sources. The figures mean that 23 flights at the airport were affected by cancellations or delays. The disruption created uncertainty for passengers travelling internationally and those waiting for relatives arriving from abroad.

Passengers with connecting flights may also face difficulties if delays reduce the time available to board their next service. Travellers should contact their airlines to confirm their booking status and ask whether alternative arrangements are available if their flights are cancelled.

Islamabad airport also affected

Islamabad International Airport recorded nine flight cancellations and eight delays. The figures show that the disruption extended beyond Lahore and Karachi, affecting another major airport serving international passengers.

Passengers departing from Islamabad or waiting for relatives arriving from overseas may have faced changes to their travel arrangements.

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Flight delays can also affect onward journeys, particularly when passengers have limited time between connecting services. Travellers should check airline updates before heading to the airport and prepare for possible changes to departure times.

Flight delays stretch to seven hours

Airport sources said flight delays ranged from two to seven hours.

Long waits can create problems for passengers who have arranged transport, accommodation or other services around their original flight times. Families travelling with children and elderly passengers may face additional inconvenience when they have to wait for extended periods.

Passengers should keep their tickets, booking details and travel documents accessible while waiting for updates. Those facing lengthy delays should contact their airlines for information about revised departure times and any assistance available to them.

Gulf security concerns affect regional travel

The disruption comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region.

According to airport sources, security concerns led to the cancellation of several flights at airports across Saudi Arabia, contributing to the disruption of flight operations in Pakistan. Regional security developments can affect aviation schedules when airlines or relevant authorities change their operations in response to changing conditions.

However, the available information does not identify the specific security measures behind the cancellations or confirm that all 42 cancelled flights were affected for the same reason. Passengers should therefore rely on confirmed notices from airlines and airport authorities rather than assume that every cancellation was linked to a single cause.

What passengers should do before travelling

Passengers scheduled to fly should check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.

Those whose flights have been cancelled should contact their airlines to ask about rebooking, refunds or other options available under their ticket conditions. Umrah pilgrims should also contact their travel agents if a cancellation affects their travel package, hotel booking or onward transport.

Passengers should keep copies of their tickets, booking confirmations and messages about any changes to their flights. Checking updates regularly can help travellers avoid unnecessary trips to the airport and prepare for revised departure times.