The Pakistan Airports Authority has issued a clarification after reports claimed a major boost in air traffic and earnings due to Middle East tensions. PAA denies overflight revenue surge claims, rejecting figures suggesting a sustained jump in overflights and daily income of around $800,000.
Several media reports had suggested that international airlines reroute flights, increasing traffic over Pakistan by 15%, with more than 700 flights crossing daily, boosting PAA revenues. PAA said those claims are incorrect.
In its statement, PAA said there was only a temporary rise in air traffic after regional tensions, which air traffic controllers handled efficiently. It added that Pakistan’s airspace typically handles around 650 overflights daily, and fluctuations are routine.
Read: Pakistan Airspace Remains Fully Open, PAA Denies Flight Restrictions
PAA also stressed that overflight revenue is not determined solely by flight counts. It depends on multiple factors such as:
- Number of flights
- Distance covered in Pakistan’s airspace
- Navigation charges
The authority said claims of a permanent rise in overflights or multi-million-dollar earnings are speculation. PAA added that Pakistan’s airspace remains safe and fully operational for international flights.
Etihad resumes flights to Pakistan from March 6
Separately, Etihad Airways announced it will resume flights to Pakistan starting March 6, aiming to boost passenger numbers amid ongoing Middle East tensions linked to the Iran-Israel conflict.
The airline said it will restore operations at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports. Etihad also said it plans to resume flights to more than 50 stations globally, including destinations in Europe, the UK and Central Asia, and has finalised its schedule for March 6 to March 19.
