(Web Desk) - Pakistan’s aviation sector continued to face major disruptions on Sunday as at least 83 domestic and international flights were cancelled across the country, while only 430 flights operated during the last 24 hours.
Officials said the cancellations were linked to administrative and operational reasons, affecting passengers at major airports in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Sukkur and Gilgit.
According to flight operation data, Karachi handled 123 flights, Islamabad 134, and Lahore 100 flights during the reporting period. Multan operated 23 flights, Peshawar 16, Sialkot 20, Faisalabad four, and Quetta 10 flights.
The data further showed that 20 flights were cancelled from Karachi, 19 from Islamabad, 15 from Lahore, and 11 from Multan. Five flights each from Quetta and Faisalabad were also cancelled, along with four from Peshawar and two each from Sukkur and Gilgit.
Aviation authorities said more than 20 flights to and from Jeddah were cancelled due to low passenger load, indicating reduced travel demand on the busy Saudi route frequently used by Pakistani expatriates and Umrah pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 around airports and Pakistan Air Force airbases across the province for 30 days to strengthen aviation safety and security.
Under the restrictions, activities including pigeon flying, use of laser lights, and dumping of animal waste have been banned within a 13-kilometre radius of airports and airbases.
Passengers have been advised to remain in contact with airlines and airport authorities for updated information regarding flight schedules, delays, and rescheduling before heading to airports.