Karachi airport becomes hub for diverted Gulf flights amid escalating Mideast conflict

Dozens of international flights rerouted as airspace restrictions mirror 1990 Gulf crisis

As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider conflict, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport witnessed extraordinary activity on Saturday, with dozens of foreign airline flights diverted to the city, creating scenes reminiscent of the 1990 Gulf Crisis.

According to aviation sources, a large number of foreign carriers were rerouted to Karachi as regional airspace restrictions and security concerns forced precautionary diversions. Several aircraft were temporarily parked during the day, while many others landed for refuelling.

The situation echoed 1990, when, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, dozens of passenger aircraft landed in Karachi under similar circumstances. At that time, both the old airport terminal and the newly constructed Jinnah Terminal were used to accommodate diverted flights.

In view of the extraordinary influx, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued a NOTAM highlighting limited aircraft parking space at the airport and directing airlines and cockpit crews to ensure prior coordination before operating into Karachi.

A PAA spokesperson said Pakistan’s airspace remained fully operational and safe for all civil aviation activities despite regional restrictions. Overall, 27 flights were handled, including diversions, return flights, technical landings and rerouted operations.

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Karachi airport alone managed 13 diversions, including technical refuelling stops. In addition, four diversions were recorded in the Lahore Flight Information Region, while two return diversions were handled at Islamabad Airport. Three flights returned to their original or alternate destinations, while five rerouted flights transited through Karachi’s airspace without landing and were provided alternate routes.

The sudden increase in traffic created operational challenges due to limited parking space, prompting airport authorities to caution airlines about possible delays. Officials confirmed that the situation was being closely monitored and managed.

Meanwhile, several airlines announced cancellations on Gulf routes. AirSial cancelled 19 flights on various Gulf sectors, while PIA cancelled four flights from Islamabad to Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. Saudi Airlines suspended its Saudi-bound flights from Peshawar.

Aviation authorities said Pakistani air traffic controllers and operational teams effectively handled the surge in traffic amid the emergency. Passengers were advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates.

Sources added that several daily flights operating between Karachi and Lahore also faced cancellations due to the evolving regional crisis.