In contrast, more than 25 flights operated from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, and Quetta.
Over 150 Flights Cancelled Despite Airspace Reopening After Pakistan-I. Despite the full restoration of Pakistan’s airspace following the ceasefire in the Indo-Pakistan conflict on Saturday, flight operations across the country were severely affected, with more than 150 flights cancelled amid prolonged uncertainty and logistical hurdles.
Dozens of flights were grounded, according to aviation sources. According to the official flight schedule, 45 flights from Karachi (including 39 international), 38 from Lahore (including 32 international), 40 from Islamabad (including 36 international), 11 from Peshawar, 10 from Multan, and 6 from Sialkot were cancelled on Sunday alone.
In contrast, more than 25 flights operated from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, and Quetta.
Major foreign carriers have cancelled around 125 inbound and outbound flights, causing widespread disruption for international passengers. Due to the closure of the Rahim Yar Khan flight corridor, many flights between Karachi and Lahore or Islamabad are being rerouted via Quetta.
According to a NOTAM issued by aviation authorities, the Rahim Yar Khan airspace will remain closed until 5 am on May 18. Flights from Gulf countries to cities like Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad are now facing long delays due to the routes.
The airport was partially damaged in an Indian air strike on Friday.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to continue the ongoing Hajj operations by various airlines, which are working to ensure continuity despite operational challenges at major airports.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) had announced on Saturday that the country’s airspace has been fully reopened for all categories of flights.
The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire following Pakistan’s military response to Indian aggression.
Trump said that Pakistan and India have agreed to a “complete and immediate ceasefire” after the fourth day of attacks and counter-attacks against each other’s military installations.
Pakistan’s foreign minister also said that the two countries had agreed to a ceasefire “immediately” and India’s external affairs ministry said it would start at 5 pm Indian time (1130 GMT).
While airports across the country resumed normal operations, a PAA spokesperson advised passengers to keep in touch with their respective airlines for updates on revised flight schedules.
Earlier, the airspace was closed amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), which was extended till noon on May 11 before being abruptly reversed on Saturday.
The latest escalation in the decades-old Indo-Pakistan hostility began on May 7, when at least 31 civilians were killed in an unprovoked cross-border attack by India.
In retaliation, Pakistan shot down five IAF fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones.
