ISLAMABAD: Airlines operating from Pakistan have been instructed to depart with the minimum required fuel due to supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. According to a notice issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Saturday, the availability of Jet Fuel A-1 has been affected by the prevailing regional situation. As a precautionary measure, airlines have been advised to uplift maximum fuel from foreign airports before flying to Pakistan.
The directive was issued through a Notice to Airmen (Notam) and will remain in effect until March 31. The development comes as supply chains for aviation fuel face pressure following escalating tensions in the Middle East. The situation intensified after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to announce the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. Amid these developments, Pakistan also raised the price of jet fuel significantly. The price of aviation fuel increased by Rs154 per litre, pushing it from Rs188.93 to a record Rs342.37 per litre — an increase of about 82 percent.
Separately, the PAA also issued another Notam regarding flight operations at Islamabad International Airport and sectors within the Lahore Flight Information Region. Under the notice, six sectors of the Lahore Flight Information Region will remain temporarily closed on March 16. Additionally, commercial aircraft will not be able to land or depart from Islamabad International Airport between 8:30am and 10:30am on the same day.
Authorities have also instructed aircraft captains to maintain additional fuel reserves, warning that flights already airborne during the restricted window may be required to remain in holding patterns before landing in Islamabad.
