Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended its flights to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates for the next 48 hours, citing heightened security concerns in the Gulf region.
The decision was announced in an official notification on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, amid the ongoing escalation of the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has entered its third week with persistent attacks on regional targets.
Precautionary Measure Amid Regional Tensions
A PIA spokesperson confirmed that the suspension is a precautionary step to prioritize passenger and operational safety. The move follows recent Iranian attacks on the UAE, including one on Tuesday that caused a fire at the Fujairah port—a key oil export terminal operated by ADNOC.
This incident disrupted loading activities and raised fears of further instability, potentially impacting energy markets and aviation routes in the area.
Continued Operations to Al Ain
While Fujairah services are halted, PIA flights to Al Ain in the UAE will proceed as scheduled. For the time being, Al Ain remains the sole active PIA destination in the UAE.
The airline has not detailed specific impacts on passengers, such as refunds or rebookings, but affected travelers are advised to contact PIA for updates on their bookings originating from cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar.
Broader Context of Gulf Security Challenges
The Gulf region has faced over 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the conflict began on February 28, targeting US-linked sites, military bases, oil infrastructure, ports, airports, and civilian areas.
These developments have prompted several airlines, including international carriers, to adjust operations for safety. PIA’s suspension aligns with a cautious approach seen across the aviation sector to mitigate risks from the evolving Middle East crisis.