Iran makes airspace off limits to PIA over payment backlog

PIA owes Iran over $600,000 in payments. Officials hopeful of resolving crisis before hajj flights resume on Thursday.

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) confirmed on Tuesday that Iran has shut its airspace to Pakistani air craft due to a six-month backlog in transit payments.

PIA owes Iran close to $600,000 in past payments.

PIA officials said that the ban may affect the shorter route for flights carrying returning Hajis from Saudi Arabia via Iranian airspace. A redirect to the longer and slightly expensive route over Oman would resolve the issue for the flights, the first of which are expected to start from Thursday.

PIA officials said that it is expected that a solution to the current ban will be found through diplomatic channels by tomorrow.