Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the suspension of all flights using Iranian airspace in the wake of Iran’s large-scale missile attack on Israel.
The national carrier has redirected its flight routes until further notice, as the airline waits for the situation to become clearer.
Temporary suspension of key corridors
According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline has issued directives to its captains and flight operations, instructing them to avoid Iranian airspace for safety reasons.
The flight plans of affected routes, including those to the UAE, Bahrain, Doha, and Saudi Arabia, which rely on the Southern Corridor, are being rearranged. Meanwhile, flights to Canada and Turkey, which typically use the Northern Corridor of Iranian airspace, have also been rerouted.
“The Iranian airspace will not be used until the situation is clarified,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the need for caution during the ongoing conflict.
This decision follows Iran’s recent attack on Israel, during which hundreds of ballistic missiles were reportedly fired towards Israeli targets. Foreign media outlets have claimed that around 400 missiles were launched, though Israeli officials confirmed the firing of at least 102 missiles.
The sudden escalation has raised concerns over the safety of commercial air routes across the region, prompting PIA’s precautionary measures.