KARACHI: Flight operations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia faced major disruptions on Friday, with 42 flights cancelled and dozens more delayed amid escalating regional tensions. The disruption left thousands of passengers, particularly Umrah pilgrims, uncertain about their travel plans.
Airport sources said several flights were cancelled on security grounds following reported Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad Airports Affected
According to airport sources, 13 flights were cancelled and 12 delayed at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Karachi airport recorded 10 cancellations and 13 delays. Meanwhile, Islamabad International Airport reported nine cancellations and eight delays.
Seven flights were also cancelled at Multan Airport.
The disruptions affected thousands of travellers, including Umrah pilgrims who faced uncertainty over their departures and arrival schedules.
PIA Suspends Riyadh Flights
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh due to the prevailing security situation in the Middle East, an airline spokesperson said.
The national carrier advised passengers to contact its call centre to confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Several international airlines, including Philippine Airlines, Lufthansa Group, EgyptAir, IndiGo and Air India, also suspended flights to Riyadh amid security concerns.
Houthi Attacks Raise Security Concerns
The flight disruptions followed reported attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said on Friday that three Saudi nationals were killed and several others injured in two attacks on the airport.
According to the authority, the first attack targeted airport facilities, while the second struck an aircraft operated by national carrier Saudia.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for launching two cruise missiles at the airport.
The group also claimed attacks on an airport in the southwestern city of Najran and an airbase in Khamis Mushait using ballistic missiles. Saudi authorities had not confirmed those additional claims.
The Houthis say their attacks are linked to Saudi Arabia’s support for government forces in Yemen’s renewed civil war. Riyadh is backing an offensive by Yemen’s internationally recognised government to regain territory held by the Houthi movement.
The latest reported casualties followed an earlier announcement by Saudi authorities that three people were killed in strikes targeting Riyadh and Abha airports earlier in the week.
