Karachi: Following the sudden airspace closure due to the Middle East situation, three aircraft belonging to Qatar Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia have remained parked at Karachi Airport since February 28. As a result of the unexpected diversions and parking, the Pakistan Airports Authority has earned thousands of dollars in parking fees from the foreign airlines.
According to sources from the Pakistan Airports Authority, the abrupt airspace closure on February 28 led to 27 flights passing through Pakistan’s airspace landing at Karachi Airport. These included technical landings, diversions, and rerouted aircraft.
The PAA spokesperson stated that in line with international aviation guidelines, operational crisis control mechanisms are activated at airports during such situations. On February 28, more than 15 aircraft were diverted to Karachi Airport. While 12 aircraft from various airlines later departed, three foreign airline aircraft remain parked at the airport. These belong to Qatar Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia.
Passengers of these flights have been accommodated in hotels in Karachi since February 28, and the respective airlines are arranging alternative flights to transport them to their final destinations.
