11 international flights stranded in Pakistan as Middle East airspace closures disrupt global travel

At least 11 international flights have remained stranded at airports across Pakistan for the past three days following escalating tensions in the Middle East after the US-Israel attack on Iran.

According to media reports, flight operations across the region were disrupted after joint strikes by Israel and the United States targeted Iran, triggering retaliatory missile launches by Tehran against Gulf states and Israel.

According to aviation sources, a foreign airline flight has been awaiting departure at Multan Airport for three days, while two other international carriers remain grounded at Sialkot Airport. Several regional routes have been affected due to airspace restrictions and airport closures.

Airlines have increasingly rerouted flights through Pakistani and Afghan airspace to avoid restricted zones in the Middle East. Data from FlightRadar24 shows that corridors passing through Pakistan and Afghanistan have become among the busiest in the world as carriers divert from traditional Gulf routes.

Major transit hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have been shut or operating under severe restrictions. Dubai, one of the world’s busiest international airports, serves as a key connection point for long-haul traffic between Europe and Asia.

The closures have disrupted tightly scheduled global networks, leaving aircraft and crews out of position and affecting flight schedules worldwide. Airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East have either cancelled or rerouted services, leading to longer flight times and higher fuel costs.

The loss of Iranian and Iraqi overflight routes has further complicated operations. Aviation analysts noted that the narrowing of available corridors has increased operational risks and congestion, particularly as regional conflicts continue.

Authorities are monitoring the situation as airlines adjust routes and schedules amid continued uncertainty in the region.