KARACHI: The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have led to a significant increase in international flights utilizing Pakistan’s airspace, resulting in a substantial financial windfall for the country.
According to sources within the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the number of overflying flights has seen a sharp rise of approximately 15%. Currently, more than 700 flights are using Pakistani airspace daily, bringing total daily earnings from overflying charges to nearly $800,000. This sudden influx of diverted traffic has added a net increase of approximately $150,000 to the daily revenue.
In comparison, during normal periods prior to the Middle East escalation, the daily average of flights crossing Pakistan’s territory ranged between 550 and 600.
While international traffic grows, Pakistan’s airspace remains strictly closed to Indian airlines. Pakistan officially suspended its airspace for Indian carriers on April 23, 2025. This restriction continues to force Indian flights to take longer and more expensive alternative routes, while other global carriers increasingly opt for Pakistani corridors to avoid conflict zones in the Middle East.
