UAE Feels Impact of India-Pakistan Clash with 13 Flight Cancellations to Pakistan
Following India’s high-intensity airstrikes on terror targets in Pakistan under “Operation Sindoor,” at least 13 flights operated by Pakistani carriers to and from the United Arab Emirates were abruptly cancelled, triggering confusion and concern among passengers across multiple airports in the Gulf region. The cancellations come amid rising regional tensions and airspace uncertainties, as the fallout from the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam continues to reverberate.
Airlines including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Serene Air confirmed cancellations affecting routes connecting major Pakistani cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to popular UAE destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Among the affected flights were several daily services considered vital for expatriate workers, business travelers, and families. With limited notice and minimal clarity on rescheduling, hundreds of passengers were left stranded at airports in both countries.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE has not issued a blanket airspace closure but has reportedly increased coordination with regional partners to monitor the evolving situation. UAE aviation authorities are working closely with airlines to assess risks associated with routing over Pakistani and northern Indian airspace, where military activity has been reported to be intense in the hours following India’s strikes. Notably, air traffic over portions of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab was temporarily rerouted or suspended, causing ripple effects across international routes.
Aviation sources in Dubai suggested that some of the cancellations were due to the carriers’ own safety assessments, while others were prompted by broader regional security alerts. Pakistani airlines are said to be re-evaluating flight paths, crew scheduling, and insurance coverage—logistical complexities that have compounded operational uncertainty.
Passengers affected by the cancellations voiced frustration over poor communication, with some claiming they were informed of flight changes only after arriving at the airport. In Dubai International Airport, long queues formed at the PIA help desk as passengers sought clarification or alternative bookings. Many travelers were visiting Pakistan for Eid-related travel or family emergencies, further amplifying the emotional and financial impact of the disruptions.
Officials at Abu Dhabi International Airport advised affected travelers to remain in touch with their airlines directly and avoid traveling to the airport unless they have confirmed rebookings. Pakistani consulates in the UAE issued brief advisories acknowledging the situation and promised to assist nationals facing urgent travel needs.
The wider aviation of UAE industry is closely watching how the situation develops. India’s use of advanced weaponry like SCALP cruise missiles and Rafale jets, along with Pakistan’s claims of retaliatory aerial engagements, have raised the specter of further military operations, which could impact the already volatile airspace corridor shared between the two countries. Given the region’s dense air traffic routes, any escalation could force further international carriers to re-route or delay services, potentially causing a broader disruption to global flight schedules.
UAE Industry analysts note that the immediate cancellations may only be the first wave of flight disruptions if diplomatic efforts fail to defuse tensions quickly. In 2019, following the Balakot airstrikes and subsequent aerial dogfights, Pakistan had closed its airspace for over a month, affecting thousands of international flights and costing airlines millions in rerouting expenses. Similar measures today could result in significant economic consequences for both carriers and regional airports.
The UAE, home to a large Pakistani diaspora and a critical hub for South Asian air traffic, is particularly sensitive to such disruptions. Emirates, Etihad, and Flydubai have not canceled flights to Pakistan at the time of reporting but have stated that they are monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with government aviation authorities. Flight paths are being adjusted in real-time as intelligence and risk assessments evolve.
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