Outbound occupancy remains 50-60% below inbound as security clearances continue, PAA says no emergency situation
LAHORE:
Air operations disrupted by the Middle East war have been partially restored. After 25 days, flight operations to and from Doha have also resumed. Flights arriving from Doha are not being dispatched back immediately and are departing only after an assessment of the security situation.
Flights arriving from Middle Eastern countries are carrying a higher number of passengers, while outbound flights have less than 50% occupancy.
According to airport sources, the suspension of air operations caused by the Iran-US war is now gradually being lifted. Following the resumption of flights from Fujairah, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai, limited flights from Doha have now also begun, with aircraft arriving in both Karachi and Lahore. These flights are not departing immediately and will leave only after receiving security clearance.
Outbound flights currently have 50% to 60% fewer passengers than inbound ones.
Read More: International departures from Pakistan tumble by half
A total of 18 flights from various cities in the Middle East arrived in Pakistan. As security clearance continues to be granted, the volume of flight operations will gradually increase.
Airport sources state that all facilities for aircraft landing and takeoff are being provided at all international airports in Pakistan, and airlines have been given facilities to handle any emergency situation. Airlines from the Middle East, along with other countries, have also been provided with parking facilities for their aircraft in emergency situations.
Read More: Phantom flight: Iran war creates 9,100-km round trips to nowhere
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) remains in constant contact with all domestic and foreign airlines, with communication continuing daily in the morning and evening, and sometimes late into the night, regarding the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the PAA stated that air operations at all international airports are continuing as normal, all facilities are being provided to flights arriving from and departing to the Middle East and other countries, and there is no emergency situation of any kind.
