Flydubai suspends flights to Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar until Oct. 26

Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar until Oct. 26, citing "operational reasons," the airline's Pakistan flight inquiry service confirmed.

The UAE-based low-cost carrier said flights to and from Karachi would continue as scheduled.

Why did flydubai suspend flights to Pakistan?

Flydubai has not specified the exact cause of the suspension but cited "operational reasons." The airline published a statement on March 31, days after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began on March 28, saying it was operating on a reduced schedule across its network.

It added that it was monitoring the situation and adjusting its schedule accordingly.

Which flydubai Pakistan routes are affected?

The suspension covers flydubai's routes connecting Dubai to Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. Flightradar24 data shows flights on all three routes had been canceled since at least May 7.

Flydubai launched operations in Islamabad and Lahore in July 2024 and began Peshawar flights in May last year.

The airline advised passengers to check flight status and operational updates regularly before traveling to the airport.

"The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority," the airline said in its March 31 statement.

How is the Iran war affecting airline fuel costs?

The U.S.-Iran war has driven a sharp rise in jet fuel prices, pushing the aviation industry into what many in the sector have described as one of its most severe crises in recent years.

The International Air Transport Association warned late last month that the fuel crisis linked to the conflict could hit Asia-based carriers first.

"I think we will see airlines starting to reduce some of their schedules as we go towards the peak summer period in anticipation of some fuel shortages," IATA Director General Willie Walsh said.