The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has rejected media reports claiming a sharp rise in overflight traffic and in daily earnings of about $800,000, attributed to tensions in the Middle East.
Some reports suggested that the regional security situation had forced international airlines to reroute flights, resulting in a 15% increase in traffic over Pakistan’s airspace, with more than 700 flights passing daily, significantly boosting PAA revenues.
However, the authority clarified that the reported 15% increase is inaccurate. According to PAA, there was only a temporary rise in air traffic following regional tensions, which air traffic controllers efficiently managed.
Before the escalation, Pakistan’s airspace handled around 650 overflights per day, and such fluctuations are considered normal.
PAA also stressed that overflight revenue depends on multiple factors, including the number of flights, travel distance, and navigation charges.
The authority termed claims of a permanent surge in overflights or multi-million-dollar earnings as speculation, while reiterating that Pakistan’s airspace remains safe and fully operational for international flights.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has announced the resumption of flights to Pakistan from March 6, amid travel disruptions linked to the Iran–Israel conflict.
The airline confirmed it will restore operations at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, and Islamabad International Airport.
In addition to Pakistan, Etihad will also resume flights to more than 50 destinations worldwide, including cities in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Central Asia. The airline has finalised its flight schedule from March 6 to March 19, ensuring passengers can travel safely despite ongoing regional tensions.
