Flights cancelled amid drone war

Due to escalating tensions between Pakistan and India after the Pahalgam incident, dozens of domestic and international flights from Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and other airports were cancelled on Thursday, while some flights were diverted to Karachi, Multan, and Islamabad.

Flights arriving from Doha, Turkey, Canada, and other countries were also either held back or diverted. Following India's drone attack, the air traffic system in Pakistan has been severely disrupted.

Flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Lahore also experienced significant delays of several hours. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) intermittently opened and closed Pakistani airspace throughout the day.

According to a new Notice to Airmen (Notam), certain parts of Lahore's airspace will remain closed until 6am today (Friday), while the rest of the flight operations are expected to continue as per routine. Karachi Airport's operations, however, have been restricted until midnight.

Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport typically handles 48 to 55 incoming and outgoing flights daily, both domestic and international.

The greatest inconvenience has been faced by Hajj pilgrims and international travelers, particularly due to the closure of airspace.

Last night, flights bound for Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Madinah, and Riyadh were suddenly grounded.

These cancellations reportedly occurred after Indian drone activity in Lahore's Walton and DHA areas.

While the flights eventually departed after delays, incoming flights from Doha, Madinah, Istanbul, Malaysia, and Singapore were diverted to Islamabad, Karachi, and Multan.

The PAA has advised passengers to check with airline inquiry desks before heading to the airport.

Some passengers, including Junaid Aslam Riaz, expressed frustration, stating that they had received boarding passes and were seated in the aircraft when the cancellations were announced, causing distress.