Iran–US conflict disrupts global air travel as 24,000 flights cancelled

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States has disrupted global air travel, forcing airlines to cancel more than 24,000 flights worldwide over the past six days, aviation officials said.

According to aviation sources, the cancellations by hundreds of airlines across multiple regions have left millions of passengers stranded and compelled carriers to repeatedly revise their schedules.

Industry officials said the aviation sector has suffered financial losses running into billions of rupees due to the disruptions, including reduced revenue from landing and take-off charges and other airport-related fees.

Flight operations in Pakistan have also been affected. Airport authorities reported that 144 flights were cancelled from airports across the country on Tuesday, including several services from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.

Despite the disruptions, four flights departed from Lahore for Saudi Arabia, according to airport officials.

Authorities also reported a decline in the number of Umrah pilgrims travelling from Pakistan as uncertainty over regional airspace and flight schedules discourages travel.

The conflict has also left some international aircraft stranded at Pakistani airports after landing but being unable to depart due to operational constraints.

Airport sources said three aircraft from foreign airlines remain parked at airports in Pakistan, including a Qatar Airways aircraft at Karachi airport, an Iran Air plane at Lahore airport and a Gulf Air aircraft at Islamabad airport.

Passengers of the affected flights were later transported to their destinations through alternative travel arrangements.