Key Takeaways
- 114 flights canceled or delayed in Pakistan over 24 hours.
- Riyadh Airport closed until October 17, affecting flights to and from Saudi Arabia.
- Multiple domestic and international routes impacted by the closures.
Pakistan’s flight operations have been significantly disrupted following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian airports, leading to the cancellation or suspension of 114 flights across the country over the past 24 hours. Airlines have also experienced delays, with 77 flights impacted.
The closure of Riyadh Airport, which is scheduled to remain closed until midnight on October 17, has had a direct impact on Pakistan’s air travel. Twenty-eight flights from Pakistan to Riyadh were canceled on Tuesday, while Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) diverted flight PK-765 from Multan to an alternative airport.
International travel has been severely affected, with two flights from Karachi to Jeddah and one each from Sialkot and Multan to Dammam canceled. Additionally, domestic routes have also faced disruptions. Four flights between Lahore and Skardu ran 2.5 to three hours behind schedule, while five flights from Karachi to Lahore experienced delays ranging from three to eight hours.
Seven flights between Karachi and Islamabad faced delays of one to five hours, further complicating travel plans for passengers. The disruptions have affected both domestic and international travel, with cancellations and delays reported across multiple routes.
The closure of Riyadh Airport has particularly impacted flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Airlines have had to adjust their schedules to accommodate the changes, with some flights being rerouted to alternative airports. This has not only caused inconvenience to passengers but also disrupted the regular travel patterns of many travelers.
