Pakistan's airspace becomes strategic route amid Iran-Israel conflict

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, several countries across the Middle East—including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Israel—have shut down their airspace, forcing international airlines to find safer alternative routes.

In this shifting landscape, Pakistan’s airspace has become a crucial transit route for global aviation.

Major international carriers, including Emirates, are now rerouting flights through Pakistani airspace to connect with destinations like North America, Egypt, and beyond.

These diverted flight paths typically pass over western Pakistan, continue across Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, before reaching Europe or the Americas.

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Although this route adds to travel time and operational costs, it has become essential to sustain international flight operations amid the ongoing regional conflict.

While global airlines grapple with logistical challenges, the situation has inadvertently elevated Pakistan’s strategic role in international air travel, providing Islamabad with both geopolitical influence and potential economic benefits during this crisis.