Embassy staff deployed at Saudi airports to help Pakistani pilgrims

Pakistani missions in Saudi Arabia on Sunday launched round-the-clock helplines and deployed teams at major airports to assist travelers, following disruptions to flight schedules amid the ongoing Gulf crisis.

Regional countries slammed shut their airspace after Iran struck US Gulf bases. This followed US-Israel hits on Iran last week. Key air paths were closed, and airlines scrapped or rerouted thousands of flights worldwide. Pakistan felt the shock hard. Hundreds of local and international flights vanished since clashes started February 28. Routes to Middle East spots took the biggest hit.

Saudi missions there now run 24/7 helplines. Staff help stranded Pakistanis at airports round the clock. Umrah pilgrims and travelers in western Saudi areas like Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah stay safe despite minor curbs and alerts. The Pakistan Airports Authority firmly denied shutdown rumors. Media buzzed about partial closures from March 3 to 31, but PAA set records straight. Full airspace stays open, safe, and ready for all civil flights, overflights, arrivals, and takeoffs.

Air traffic pros handle everything smoothly. Airlines pick alternate paths if needed due to neighbor troubles. No bans cram commercial ops, business flies as usual. Travelers face delays but find support. Missions guide pilgrims home step by step. Airports buzz with reroutes, yet teams keep calm amid chaos.

Pilgrims voice thanks for quick aid. Many cut trips short but reach safe ground. PAA’s clear stance eases worries, letting skies hum on. Regional war ripples far, but Pakistan steers steady. Open airspace and helplines shield citizens from full fallout.