Islamabad, September 9, 2025 – Pakistan’s aviation sector faced fresh turbulence this week as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspended over 10 domestic flights, while also halting select international routes. The disruptions, which occurred between September 7 and 8, 2025, have rippled across tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity, compounding pressures already mounting due to South Asian airspace restrictions.
Domestic Routes Disrupted
According to reports, PIA grounded multiple flights on critical domestic corridors including Islamabad-Gilgit, Islamabad-Sukkur, and Karachi-Sukkur. Flights such as PIA603, PIA631, and PIA536 were among those cancelled, leaving passengers stranded or scrambling for rebooking options .
These cancellations are particularly damaging for northern tourism, with Gilgit serving as the gateway to Pakistan’s mountain tourism circuit, and Sukkur connecting to southern Sindh’s cultural hubs. Tourism operators warn of ripple effects on local businesses dependent on seasonal travel traffic.
International Suspensions
In parallel, PIA announced the suspension of its Karachi-Mumbai flight from early September, citing “commercial viability issues” . The move effectively curtails one of the few direct air links between Pakistan and India at a time of heightened bilateral strain.
Adding to the disruption, PIA confirmed a temporary halt of Lahore-Paris flights from mid-September. The airline stated it was reallocating resources to resume and expand services to the United Kingdom after Britain lifted its ban on Pakistani carriers earlier this year .
Broader Regional Challenges
These suspensions do not occur in isolation. Indian low-cost carrier Akasa Air cancelled over 20 flights earlier this month due to Gulf region airspace restrictions, indirectly affecting South Asia’s interconnected travel network . The wider pattern of cancellations reflects the vulnerability of airlines operating in politically sensitive and congested skies.
Observers note that Pakistan’s aviation industry, already hampered by financial strain and regulatory scrutiny, is particularly exposed to such shocks. Previous disruptions in May 2025, triggered by India-Pakistan tensions, saw multiple airlines divert or suspend services across South Asia .
Passenger Fallout
For passengers, the immediate impact has been confusion and delay. Travelers to Gilgit, Sukkur, and Karachi reported difficulties in securing alternate arrangements, while international passengers faced route diversions through Gulf hubs. PIA has pledged support services, though many passengers expressed frustration on social media and in interviews with local media outlets .
Industry analysts warn that unless stability returns to Pakistan’s aviation network, both domestic tourism and foreign connectivity could see long-term setbacks, undermining Pakistan’s efforts to expand its travel and tourism sector.
Sources
- Travel and Tour World. India, Pakistan experience new travel disruptions as Akasa Air and PIA suspend flights. Link
- VisaVerge. Akasa Air cancels 20 flights disrupting travel across India and Gulf regions. Link
- Hindustan Times. Pakistan International Airlines suspends Karachi-Mumbai flight. Link
- VisaVerge. PIA suspends Lahore-Paris flights to prioritize UK routes. Link
- Travel and Tour World. Air travel chaos as India and Pakistan conflict forces airlines to suspend flights. Link
- Minute Mirror. PIA to suspend Lahore-Paris flights from September 17. Link
- YouTube. PIA flight cancellations amid India-Pakistan tension. Link
- Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. PIA to resume direct flights to the UK from September 2025. Link
