Airspace restrictions over Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and Qatar have now been lifted. This has enabled airlines to restart services to several Middle Eastern destinations and begin restoring normal flight schedules.
At Lahore Airport, multiple flights to Gulf countries have resumed. From the city, flights have departed to destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Bahrain, Doha, Jeddah, Dammam, and Kuwait, as airlines work to stabilize operations.
Other major airports have also seen increased activity. Islamabad Airport handled eight flights to Gulf destinations, Karachi Airport managed 18 flights, Peshawar operated six flights, and Multan handled four flights.
Airport authorities said that while operations are improving, a complete return to normal will take time. Some countries still have partial airspace restrictions in place, which may continue to affect schedules in the short term.
In the past 40 days, more than 3,000 flights were canceled due to the conflict between the United States and Iran, causing major disruption to international travel and affecting thousands of passengers.
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The ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran has played a key role in easing tensions. US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with Pakistan hosting negotiations facilitated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Iran has confirmed that talks with the United States will begin in Pakistan, while a high-level US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to participate in the discussions.
Sources say Gulf countries, China, and Russia may attend as observers in the talks. Iran has expressed its desire for a permanent ceasefire and long-term peace guarantees, while China has also been acknowledged for supporting efforts toward the truce alongside Pakistan.
Separately, the government has announced a two-day public holiday in the federal capital on April 9 and 10. Following this, the Rawalpindi district administration has also declared a two-day holiday in the district.
