DUBAI: Air travel between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed, with flights now operating from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports to multiple destinations in Pakistan.
According to UAE aviation authorities, major airports in the Emirates have restarted operations for Pakistan-bound flights. Dubai Airport officials confirmed scheduled flights to Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Islamabad.
The first flight to Islamabad is set to depart on May 12, while services to Peshawar will begin on May 13.
In Abu Dhabi, flights to Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore are also operational. However, authorities noted that some flights from Abu Dhabi to Pakistan have been rescheduled, advising passengers to check with airlines or airport customer service for updated information.
All flights are expected to return to regular schedules by May 12 from Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah Airport has similarly resumed services to Pakistan, with the Sharjah national airline continuing its routine operations.
Despite the full restoration of Pakistan’s airspace following the halt in Pakistan-India fighting on Saturday, flight operations in the country remained heavily disrupted across the country, with more than 150 flights cancelled amid lingering uncertainty and logistical hurdles.
According to aviation sources, dozens of flights remained in limbo. On Sunday alone, 45 flights from Karachi (including 39 international), 38 from Lahore (including 32 international), 40 from Islamabad (including 36 international), 11 from Peshawar, 10 from Multan, and 6 from Sialkot were cancelled, as per the official flight schedule.
In contrast, over 25 flights operated from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, and Quetta.
Major foreign carriers have cancelled around 125 inbound and outbound flights, causing widespread disruption for international travellers. Many flights between Karachi and Lahore or Islamabad are being rerouted via Quetta due to the closure of the Rahim Yar Khan flight corridor.
According to a Notam issued by aviation authorities, Rahim Yar Khan’s air route will remain closed until 5am on May 18. Flights from Gulf countries to cities like Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad are now facing longer durations due to detours.
The airport was partially damaged in an Indian airstrike on Friday.
Meanwhile, efforts to sustain the ongoing Hajj operations are being made by various airlines, which are working to ensure continuity despite operational challenges at major airports.
A day ago, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced that the country’s airspace had been fully reopened for all categories of flights.
The announcement followed US President Donald Trump’s declaration that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire after Pakistan’s military response to Indian aggression.
