Pakistan (Commonwealth Union) _ Pakistan aviation sector is in serious chaos as Middle Eastern wars continue to disrupt airline operations, hike fuel prices, and dramatically increase airfares. The scenario has resulted in widespread cancellations across the country, causing alarm among passengers and industry partners. As a result, over 90 flights were canceled on Monday at major airports in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Over the past 17 days, the total number of cancelled flights reached 55,000 globally and 1,955 in Pakistan, affecting airports in cities including Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Quetta.
Also read:Â Night of horror: Pakistan airstrike leaves 400 dead and 250 injured in Kabul!
Aviation officials estimate that airlines have suffered losses amounting to billions of rupees during this period. The disruption has also hit passengers hard. More than 110,000 travelers have requested refunds for flights to destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, and Azerbaijan, where operations remain largely suspended. Airport authorities confirmed that only limited services are currently available to some of these destinations, while flights to others, including Saudi Arabia, Muscat, Europe, Canada, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, are continuing as scheduled.
Also read:Â Largest underground water reserve discovered in Sri Lanka!
Travel agents are also feeling the impact. Earnings have taken a hit, with cancellations up and new reservations down. Agents usually make Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 per ticket from service fees, but the wave of refunds has deeply affected their earnings. The situation has been especially tough during the festive season, making it impossible for many Pakistanis abroad to come home for Eid al-Fitr and forcing Umrah pilgrims to scrap their trips. One flight, for example, from Lahore to Dubai had to turn around mid-flight because of security issues, safely returning to its original airport.
Also read: Meet India’s most powerful and wealthiest female leaders who rule the business world!
Adding to the crisis, fuel prices have surged following the closure of a key oil shipping route amid escalating conflict. In Pakistan, the cost of Jet A-1 fuel has risen by Rs 154 a liter, while aviation gasoline used for pilot training has risen by Rs 80 per liter. These increases have resulted in a substantial surge in ticket costs, with domestic flights increasing by up to Rs 15,000 and international rates leaping up to Rs 150,000. Additionally, the rise in fuel costs has also had an impact on pilot training, with expenses increasing by approximately Rs 1 million.
