Airspace Disruptions Across the Region
The US-Israel strikes on Iran that started February 28 have messed up air routes all over the Middle East, but Pakistan’s aviation people are quietly making bank from it.
With Iranian airspace mostly shut, plus big chunks of Iraq and some Gulf corridors off-limits because of the fighting, airlines flying from Europe to Asia (and back) can’t use their usual paths. So they’re detouring north and then south through Pakistani airspace instead. It’s turning out to be one of the few safe, open corridors right now.
Surge in Overflights
Numbers from MM News and PCAA checks show daily overflights—planes that just cross Pakistani skies without landing—have jumped past 700 a day over Karachi and the main routes. That’s up roughly 15% from the normal 550–600. Each of those flights pays overflight fees (navigation charges, airspace usage), and it’s adding up fast. PCAA is now pulling in close to $800,000 a day from these fees, about $150,000 more than the usual daily take.
It’s not like these planes are stopping here or bringing tourists—they’re just passing through—but every crossing still puts cash straight into PCAA’s pocket. Aviation guys say Pakistan’s location is perfect for this reroute: stable enough, no active fighting overhead, and the air traffic control can handle the extra load so far.
Airlines Seek Pakistani Airspace
Reports say more airlines have already asked for (and got) permission to use Pakistani airspace, and if the conflict drags on even a few more weeks, that number could stay high or go up further. PCAA bosses are staying extra alert, making sure everything runs smooth and safe with the sudden rush.
Economic Upside and Industry Strain
Of course it’s bittersweet. The same war has wrecked direct flights to Gulf countries—PIA and others have canceled hundreds of trips, planes are grounded or flying longer empty legs, fuel costs are through the roof on detours, and passenger numbers are down hard. Some estimates put the losses for Pakistani carriers and airports at Rs 20 billion already in the first week or so. So while overflight money is a nice bonus for the authority, the bigger aviation picture here is hurting.
Still, it’s a reminder how Pakistan’s geography can flip bad regional news into at least some economic upside. As long as the fighting keeps Middle East routes closed, those extra flights overhead aren’t going anywhere soon.
