KARACHI: Flight operations across Pakistan were severely disrupted on Wednesday amid the situation in Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks, with 114 flights cancelled or remaining non-operational and another 77 facing delays over a 24-hour period.
The total number of operating flights fell to 404, one of the lowest levels recorded amid the disruption.
Aviation sources said the closure of Riyadh airport had a particularly significant impact on Pakistan-Saudi Arabia routes, resulting in the cancellation of 28 flights scheduled between Pakistan and the Saudi capital on Wednesday.
Pakistan International Airlines flight PK-765 from Multan to Riyadh was diverted to an alternative airport because of the closure.
Two Karachi-Jeddah flights were also cancelled, while one flight each from Sialkot and Multan to Dammam was called off.
Saudi Airlines flights SV-724 and SV-725 operating between Lahore and Madinah were delayed by around five hours.
Domestic Flights Also Face Major Delays
The disruption was not limited to international routes, with several domestic services also facing lengthy delays.
Four flights from Lahore to Skardu were delayed by between two-and-a-half and three hours.
Five Karachi-Lahore flights experienced delays ranging from three to eight hours, while seven flights between Karachi and Islamabad were delayed by between one and five hours.
The disruption has caused difficulties for passengers as airlines adjust their schedules in response to the situation in Saudi Arabia and the closure of Riyadh airport.
Passengers travelling on affected routes have been advised to remain alert to schedule changes as flight operations continue to face uncertainty.