In Rawalpindi, despite the reopening of Pakistan’s airspace post-ceasefire with India, flight operations faced severe disruptions, affecting many travelers. Domestic and international flights were heavily impacted, with significant cancellations and delays. Two major Gulf airlines have yet to resume their operations, even after the official reopening by Pakistani authorities.
The Pakistan Airports Authority had restricted airspace earlier on May 12 but lifted those restrictions by Saturday evening, allowing the resumption of domestic flights. However, 30 flights, primarily international, were canceled at Islamabad International Airport on Sunday. Similar chaos occurred at airports in Karachi and Lahore, with pilgrims being particularly affected. Smaller airports in Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Sialkot, and Faisalabad also faced significant issues, as some airlines prioritized pilgrim flights to Saudi Arabia.
Although Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) managed to operate 97 flights, they reported challenges due to high passenger volume and the ongoing confusion. Aviation expert Qasir Ansari noted that operational coordination is complex, especially after a rapid closure and reopening of airspace, suggesting it might take two to three days for normalcy to return as airlines adjust their schedules.
Passengers like Khalid Jilani experienced financial burdens, having to purchase new tickets after cancellations, while the refund process remained complicated, with each airline following its own policies. Pilgrims like Muhammad Imran reported extensive delays, exacerbating their travel troubles.
Overall, while some flights began to operate, the situation remained chaotic, with many awaiting clearer updates and resolution of their travel woes.
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