Flying from UAE to Pakistan or India? Here’s everything you need to know
Latest travel alerts follow a ceasefire agreement between the two countries
DUBAI: Following the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan after four days of intense fighting, several UAE carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia, have resumed flight operations to Pakistan.
This partial resumption of services began on Sunday, offering relief to thousands of passengers affected by the previous suspensions.
However, the ongoing situation in the region remains a concern, and flight operations are subject to further developments.
Flights to Pakistan back on track
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) confirmed the full restoration of airspace on Sunday, following days of heightened tension that saw both countries impose air traffic restrictions after military skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC).
While the full normalisation of operations may take time, all airports in Pakistan are now open for commercial flights. Passengers have been advised to check with their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules, as some disruptions may still persist due to aircraft and ground equipment relocations to secure sites during the conflict.
Emirates: Emirates resumed flights to Karachi, Sialkot, and Lahore on May 11, with services to Islamabad scheduled for May 12 and Peshawar on May 13. The Dubai-based carrier is closely monitoring the situation to ensure passenger safety and convenience.
Etihad Airways: Etihad restarted services to Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore on May 11, with normal operations expected to return by May 12. Passengers are urged to confirm flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Air Arabia: Sharjah-based Air Arabia resumed all operations to Pakistan on May 11, including flights to Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot. While services have resumed, operational adjustments may apply, and passengers are advised to confirm departure timings.
Travel update: Resumption of flights to/from Pakistan pic.twitter.com/ab79jxMeJd
— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) May 11, 2025
flydubai: flydubai will relaunch daily flights to Peshawar starting May 15, expanding its network in Pakistan, which already includes destinations like Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot.
India airspace closures
Despite the reopening of Pakistan's airspace, flights to northern India remain significantly affected. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had issued NOTAMs temporarily closing 32 airports in northern and western regions of the country from May 9 to May 14, with the closure extending until 5:29 am Indian Standard Time (IST) on May 15, citing "operational reasons." This has led to the suspension or rerouting of numerous flights, with long-haul services from the UAE to northern India experiencing delays. Affected airports include Adampur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Leh, Pathankot, Shimla, Srinagar, and Udhampur.
Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways has continued suspending flights to Pakistan and Amritsar in India until further notice, with passenger safety as its top priority.
Oman Air: Oman Air confirmed the cancellation of flights between Muscat and Karachi on May 11 and 12 due to the closure of Jinnah International Airport. The airline continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
The suspension of air traffic has caused significant disruptions, particularly for those traveling to visit family or for business purposes, as the region prepares for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha in June. Travel agents across the UAE have reported a spike in customer queries due to the ongoing disruptions.
Industry experts note that airlines will likely need several days to recalibrate schedules and crew assignments once airspace restrictions are lifted. Additionally, regional airports may require time to return to full operational readiness. Despite the challenges, airlines are working closely with authorities to ensure the safe and efficient return of services.