International experts recorded that the worldwide aviation sector is experiencing a, rapid recovery and growth phase, with 2026 projections explaining record revenues of over $40 billion and high passenger traffic. This sector supports 3.9 percent of global GDP ($4.1 trillion) and 86.5 million career opportunities. Approximately 10 to 15 million passengers travel by airplane daily, based on estimates of around 100,000 to 115,000 daily flights worldwide. With global air traffic reaching 5 billion passengers yearly in 2024, this number includes passengers on commercial, cargo, and private aircraft. This sector related statistics showed (daily passenger cancellation numbers fluctuate) roughly 1 to 2 percent of daily flights are cancelled, translating to hundreds of thousands of passengers globally during typical operations, which can spike significantly during disruptions. Over 35 million commercial flights were scheduled in 2023, averaging over 95,000 per day. Based on early March 2026 reports, this ongoing conflict caused over 20,000 flight cancellations in a few days, impacting hundreds of thousands of passengers. Daily disruptions were significant, with 4,000 to 5,000 daily flight disruptions reported, causing severe travel, chiefly in the Middle East.
Unluckily the ongoing conflict involving Israel-US and Iran has significantly impacted on this global aviation sector, leading to a combined loss of about Rs 20 billion for Pakistan’s aviation sector. Sources recorded that the conflict has caused widespread disruptions, including various flight cancellations, rerouted flights, and schedule adjustments globally. Much of the Middle East’s airspace, including Qatar’s, has been shut down because of threats from drones and missiles.
It is said that private jets as a workaround, are increasingly being used through stranded travelers to leave the Gulf region, while some are undertaking long drives through the desert to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hoping to catch flights from there. The conflict has also disrupted a vital oil export route, leading to a spike in jet fuel prices, which in turn has increased fares on many routes and raised concerns about a potential decline in travel demand.
Furthermore, air cargo shipments ranging from perishable goods to aircraft parts, have been greatly impacted, with cargo space shrinking and freight rates rising because of the conflict’s effects on regional capacity. The closure of Gulf airspace has quickly affected airline networks globally and pessimistically impacted airline stocks. Sources also recorded that restrictions in Middle Eastern airspace have also hit Indian airlines hard, as the region is a crucial corridor for flights to Europe and the US, particularly after Pakistan banned Indian carriers from its airspace last year.
In our country, air traffic has been severely disrupted for the fifth day straight because of airspace closures related to tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel. Since February 28 2026, statistics showed that total numbers of 578 flights have been canceled by Pakistani and international airlines due to these closures in various Gulf states, resulting in an estimated revenue loss of Rs 20 billion.
Previous statistics showed that total 162 flights to Middle Eastern destinations were canceled from Pakistan’s airports, affecting flights from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, and Faisalabad to cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jeddah, Al Ain, Najaf, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Latest statistics showed that Karachi airport specifically, saw 40 cancellations to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait, and Bahrain; Islamabad had 38 cancellations to similar destinations; Lahore reported 28 canceled flights; Peshawar saw 24 cancellations; Multan had 18; Sialkot and Faisalabad had 8 and 6 cancellations, respectively. Airlines affected include Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, PIA, Airblue, Flydubai, Qatar Airways, and Fly Jinnah. Overall, the total canceled flights between Pakistan and Middle Eastern states stood 578 over five days.
Since the airspace closures began, airlines have had to cancel numerous flights across the region, with Islamabad alone losing about 180 flights in five days. Various flights to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Bahrain, Doha, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Najaf were canceled, along with those to Gilgit, Skardu, and Karachi. Daily cancellations range between 35 and 40 flights. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has restricted the use of its A320 aircraft because of airspace limitations and is operating some routes using Boeing 777 aircraft as alternatives.
It is also important to note that Jet fuel prices in Pakistan have been increased for the fifth time within a span of just 28 days, reflecting mounting pressure from global oil markets and escalating regional tensions. At the beginning of March 2026, jet fuel was priced at approximately Rs188 per litre. As of March 28, the price has surged to almost Rs288-290 per litre, marking a rise of greater than 150 percent within less than a month. The rapid escalation highlights the volatility in energy markets and its immediate impact on the aviation sector. While the government of Pakistan has attempted to sustain relative stability in petrol and diesel prices, despite multiple revisions, jet fuel and kerosene have largely been allowed to fluctuate in line with international market trends.
The impact of rising fuel costs is already being felt across the aviation sector. International airlines have increased fares on both domestic and international routes by 20 to 40 percent, with ticket prices on several routes rising by thousands of rupees. The adjustments reflect airlines’ efforts to offset escalating operational expenses driven primarily by fuel costs, which account for a substantial portion of total expenditure.
No doubt, the close of hostilities will also encourage investments in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity again. Overall, a peaceful resolution would create a more secure environment for aviation, promoting economic development and prosperity for the whole world. It is hopeful that diplomatic efforts will succeed, bringing lasting peace and benefits for the aviation sector globally.