The Pakistan Airport Authority has rejected media reports claiming a major increase in overflight traffic and daily earnings. Some reports suggested Pakistan was earning around $800,000 daily due to regional tensions.
These reports linked the increase to the security situation in the Middle East. According to the claims, international airlines were rerouting flights through Pakistan’s airspace. The reports also said traffic had increased by 15 percent, with more than 700 flights crossing the country daily.
However, the Pakistan Airport Authority clarified that these figures are incorrect. The authority said there was only a temporary rise in air traffic after recent regional tensions. Air traffic controllers managed the situation without any issues.
Officials explained that Pakistan’s airspace normally handles a large number of flights every day. Before the recent tensions, around 650 overflights were already passing through Pakistan daily. Therefore, a slight increase in flights is not unusual.
The Pakistan Airport Authority also stated that overflight revenue does not depend only on the number of aircraft. Several other factors affect earnings. These include the distance an aircraft travels in Pakistani airspace and the navigation charges applied to each flight.
Because of these factors, daily revenue can change from time to time. The authority said that claims about a permanent increase in traffic or huge daily earnings are only speculation.
Officials also reassured airlines and passengers about safety. They said Pakistan’s airspace remains safe and fully operational for international flights.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has announced the resumption of flights to Pakistan starting March 6. The airline had earlier suspended some operations due to travel disruptions linked to the Iran–Israel conflict.
Etihad confirmed that flights will restart at major Pakistani airports. These include Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, and Islamabad International Airport.
The airline also plans to resume services to more than 50 destinations worldwide. These include cities in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Central Asia.
Etihad has already finalized its flight schedule from March 6 to March 19. The airline said the schedule will help passengers travel safely despite ongoing regional tensions.
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Authorities believe that stable flight operations will support international travel. They also emphasized that Pakistan remains an important route for global aviation.
