Summary:
UAE-based Etihad Airways and Emirates, along with Qatar-based Qatar Airways, have temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan due to the closure of Pakistani airspace.
Flight Suspensions Due to Airspace Closure
The ongoing tension between India and Pakistan has led to a significant disruption in air travel. UAE-based airlines Etihad Airways and Emirates, as well as Qatar-based Qatar Airways, have made the decision to suspend their flights to Pakistan until further notice. This development is a result of the closure of Pakistani airspace, which has caused considerable inconvenience for passengers planning to travel to or from the country.
Etihad Airways Suspends Flights
Etihad Airways announced on its website that it will be suspending certain flights to and from Pakistan on May 8th due to the ongoing situation. The affected flights include:
- EY300 / EY301: Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport ↔ Islamabad International Airport
- EY288 / EY289: Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport ↔ Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport
- EY294 / EY295: Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport ↔ Karachi Jinnah International Airport
- EY302 / EY303: Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport ↔ Islamabad International Airport
- EY284 / EY285: Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport ↔ Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport
However, flights EY296 and EY297 between Abu Dhabi and Karachi are currently planned to operate as scheduled, subject to airspace availability. Etihad is assisting impacted guests with alternative travel arrangements.
Emirates Suspends Flights
Emirates has also suspended all flight operations to Pakistan until May 10th due to ongoing uncertainty regarding access to the country’s airspace and airports. The airline apologized for any inconvenience caused to its customers and will post operational updates on its website. Customers can check flight status updates at the Emirates travel updates page.
The affected flights include:
- Dubai – Lahore – Dubai: EK623 (May 8th)
- Dubai – Islamabad – Dubai: EK612 / EK613 (May 8-10), EK614 / EK615 (May 9-10)
- Dubai – Sialkot – Dubai: EK620 / EK621 (May 8-10), EK618 / EK619 (May 8-9)
- Dubai – Peshawar – Dubai: EK636 / EK637 (May 8-10)
- Dubai – Karachi – Dubai: EK600 / EK601 (May 8-10), EK602 / EK603 (May 8-9), EK606 / EK607 (May 8-10)
Customers booked on connecting flights to Pakistan will not be accepted for travel until further notice. Those impacted by cancellations are advised not to proceed to the airport.
Conclusion
The ongoing situation between India and Pakistan has caused a significant disruption in air travel, with UAE-based airlines Etihad Airways and Emirates, as well as Qatar-based Qatar Airways, suspending flights to Pakistan until further notice. Passengers planning to travel to or from Pakistan are advised to check the status of their flight on the airline’s website or contact the airline directly for alternative travel arrangements. The safety of passengers and crew remains the airlines’ highest priority, and they will continue to monitor developments closely in coordination with relevant authorities.