ISLAMABAD: Aviation sources have confirmed that dozens of flights remain suspended despite the reopening of Pakistan’s airspace. The official flight schedule recorded 45 cancellations from Karachi—39 of them international—alongside 38 from Lahore (32 international), 40 from Islamabad (36 international), as well as 11 from Peshawar, 10 from Multan, and 6 from Sialkot.
Nonetheless, over 25 flights successfully departed from airports in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, and Quetta, indicating a gradual resumption of operations.
Major international carriers have cancelled approximately 125 inbound and outbound flights, significantly impacting international travel. Flights between Karachi and Lahore or Islamabad are being rerouted via Quetta due to the closure of the Rahim Yar Khan air corridor.
A NOTAM issued by aviation authorities confirmed the Rahim Yar Khan route will remain closed until 5am on May 18. Flights from Gulf countries to destinations like Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad are experiencing longer flight durations due to detours.
The Rahim Yar Khan airport sustained partial damage in an Indian airstrike on Friday.
Despite these challenges, airlines are prioritizing ongoing Hajj operations, working to maintain services for pilgrims through alternative arrangements.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) had announced the full reopening of the country’s airspace for all flight categories on Saturday. The development came shortly after US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, following Pakistan’s military retaliation to Indian aggression.cancel
Trump announced that both nations had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” after four days of escalating military exchanges. Pakistan’s foreign minister confirmed the agreement, while India’s foreign ministry stated the ceasefire would begin at 5pm IST (1130 GMT).
Though operations have resumed nationwide, a PAA spokesperson urged passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest schedule updates.
The airspace closure had followed rising hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC) and was originally extended until May 11 before the sudden reversal on Saturday.
Tensions had peaked on May 7, when at least 31 civilians were killed in an unprovoked Indian cross-border attack. In a strong response, Pakistan shot down five Indian Air Force fighter jets—including three Rafales—and destroyed dozens of drones.
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