PIA issues update on Gulf and Europe flights after Iran-Israel tensions

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has changed its flight routes for Gulf and European countries due to growing regional tensions after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.

A PIA spokesperson confirmed that flights to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates will now use Omani airspace instead of their usual routes. This step has been taken as a safety measure to protect passengers and crew.

Flights to Europe Also Affected

PIA has also adjusted flight paths for Toronto and Paris, following new airspace restrictions and security alerts in the region.

The airline said it is carefully watching the situation to keep its flights safe and running without delays. “The safety of our passengers is our top priority,” said the PIA spokesperson.

Why the Routes Are Changing

These changes follow significant military action in the Middle East. On Friday, Israel attacked Iran, hitting nuclear sites, missile bases, and killing several top Iranian military and nuclear officials.

Those killed include:

• Hossein Salami, IRGC commander-in-chief
• Gholamali Rashid, a senior Iranian military commander
• Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces
• Fereydoon Abbasi, nuclear scientist and former head Iran’s atomic energy agency
• Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, a nuclear scientist involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons programme
• Abdolhamid Minouchehr, a nuclear scientist
• Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, a nuclear scientist
• Amirhossein Feqhi, a nuclear scientist
• Motalleblizadeh, another nuclear scientist

Explosions were reported at Natanz, Iran’s main uranium enrichment site. Israel also struck multiple military bases near Tehran, including the sensitive Parchin facility.

Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was unharmed, strongly condemned the attack and promised a strong response.

What This Means for Travelers

Passengers flying with PIA to Gulf and European destinations may experience slight changes in flight durations. However, the airline has assured that all flights remain safe and fully operational.

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