Pakistan airspace becomes key for airlines amid regional airspace bans
Several foreign airlines have started using Pakistan’s airspace for various international routes as airspace closures continue due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Major carriers, including Emirates, are now flying over northern Pakistan on routes to North America, Egypt, and other destinations.
Their flight paths pass through western Pakistan, then proceed over Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Turkey before heading west.
The airspaces of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel remain closed amid the ongoing conflict, forcing airlines to adjust their routes.
Earlier, major airlines affected include El Al, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air India, Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, subsidiary AJet, Aegean Airlines, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and flydubai.
These carriers have suspended flights to and from Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan or rerouted flights over safer airspace such as Central Asia or Saudi Arabia.
9-second video of the clearing of Iranian and Iraqi airspace. pic.twitter.com/VZLWbmk9sC
Iraq’s closure affects one of the busiest air corridors between Europe and the Gulf. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have also reported delays and cancellations linked to these restrictions.
The situation remains fluid, with aviation safety organisations urging caution in the region.