PIA stops its flight operations in Gulf nations amid tensions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) stopped its flights to multiple Gulf nations on Saturday because US-Israel military operations against Iran caused airspace restrictions throughout the entire region.

The suspension affects multiple international routes, while flights to Saudi Arabia continue on adjusted routes via Boeing 777 aircraft. A PIA spokesperson confirmed, “These flights will remain suspended until tomorrow evening or until airspace is reopened.”

Passengers should contact the PIA call centre at 111-786-786 for information about flight status and rebooking procedures. The disruptions began after the regional conflict escalated when Iranian forces launched missiles, which led to immediate airspace shutdowns over Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan. Flight-tracking data shows nearly empty skies as airlines reroute planes to safer corridors.

Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest global hubs, temporarily suspended all operations, mirrored by Emirates and Flydubai. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways suspended its flight operations until Sunday.

Major international carriers responded swiftly. British Airways suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3, while Lufthansa grounded services to Dubai and Tel Aviv through March 7.

Air France, ITA Airways, Wizz Air, and several European airlines, including KLM, Swiss, and Finnair, cancelled or rerouted flights across the Middle East. Air India, Indigo, and Russia’s carriers also suspended regional flights.

Regional airlines suffered major disruptions because Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, and Turkish Airlines stopped their operations for a limited time. Mid-air diversions occurred when LOT Polish Airlines returned a Warsaw-Dubai flight and Virgin Atlantic rerouted its flight to avoid Iraqi airspace.