LAHORE: Flight services between Pakistan and Middle Eastern destinations have started returning to normal after a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran eased regional tensions.
With the lifting of airspace restrictions over countries including Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and Qatar, airlines have begun reinstating suspended international routes.
Officials at Allama Iqbal International Airport confirmed that outbound flights to Gulf cities have resumed. Carriers are now working on revised schedules to fully restore routine operations.
On Thursday, multiple flights departed from Lahore to key destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Bahrain, while additional services were operated to Doha, Jeddah, Dammam, and Kuwait.
Other major airports also reported increased activity. Islamabad International Airport handled eight outbound flights to Gulf countries, Jinnah International Airport managed 18, while Peshawar and Multan airports facilitated six and four flights respectively.
Despite the progress, aviation authorities noted that a complete return to normalcy may take time, as some regions continue to enforce limited airspace restrictions.
The recent conflict between Washington and Tehran severely disrupted global aviation, with over 3,000 flights canceled in the past 40 days.
The situation improved after a temporary two-week ceasefire was agreed upon, with Islamabad serving as the venue for negotiations led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Iran has confirmed that formal talks with the United States are scheduled to begin in Pakistan on Friday. A US delegation headed by Vice President JD Vance, along with envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, is expected to participate, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Sources added that several countries, including China and Russia, along with Gulf states, may attend the talks as observers.
Officials indicated that Tehran is seeking a long-term ceasefire along with firm assurances to ensure lasting regional stability. China, alongside Pakistan, has reportedly played a key role in persuading Iran to agree to the temporary truce.
Meanwhile, the government has declared public holidays in Islamabad on April 9 and 10, with the Rawalpindi administration also announcing similar holidays across the district.
