Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways suspend flights to Pakistan following India missile strike

Gulf airlines have cancelled and rerouted several flights over South Asia after Pakistan announced the closure of its airspace following a series of missile strikes from India.

Airlines, including Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, quickly halted or delayed flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha airports to airports in India and Pakistan. Etihad said it called back flights that were enroute to Pakistan on May 6.

The airline has cancelled flights to Karachi (EY297), Lahore (EY285) and Islamabad (EY303) on May 7.

“Additionally, some other services may be rerouted to avoid the affected airspace, potentially resulting in extended flight times,” Etihad Airways said in a statement.

Emirates has also suspended flights between Dubai and destinations in Pakistan, including Sialkot, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar, according to the airlines’ website.

Qatar Airways said it has “temporarily suspended” flights to Pakistan due to the airspace closure.

“The airline is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to prioritise the safety of its passengers and crew,” it said in a statement, advising passengers to continue checking the latest flight information on the airline’s website.

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian airlines have also issued travel advisories for airports in northern India, urging passengers to verify their flight status and make travel plans accordingly.