The Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah have established helplines and deployed teams at regional airports to assist Pakistani passengers affected by flight disruptions, state media reported on Sunday.
The disruptions follow airspace closures across several Gulf countries after Iran launched strikes on United States bases in the Gulf, following joint US–Israel strikes on Iranian targets last week. The conflict has forced airlines to cancel or reroute thousands of flights, particularly affecting routes between Pakistan and the Middle East.
According to Radio Pakistan, the diplomatic missions have set up round-the-clock helplines and deployed staff at airports to facilitate stranded passengers, including hundreds of Pakistani Umrah pilgrims traveling in western Saudi Arabia.
Officials said that the situation of Pakistani travellers in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah remains stable, though minor operational restrictions and risk advisories are in place due to regional developments.
Earlier, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) rejected reports claiming that Pakistan’s airspace would be partially closed between March 3 and March 31, clarifying that the entire airspace remains open and safe for civil aviation traffic. Airlines may use alternative routes as needed, but there are no restrictions on commercial arrivals, departures, or overflights.
Air traffic controllers and airport teams are continuing to manage operations normally, ensuring that flights within Pakistan’s airspace remain safe and functional despite the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Also read: Pakistan Partially Restores Gulf Flights After Disruptions
