Riyadh (TDI): Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia has urged Pakistani expatriates in the Kingdom to remain calm and comply with local laws as escalation in the Gulf region continues to disrupt international air travel.
The Pakistani government has also deployed facilitation teams at major Saudi airports to assist affected citizens. Ambassador Ahmad Farooq issued the appeal in a video message to the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia.
He urged citizens to avoid spreading or believing unverified information, “I would like to request you all that under the current circumstances, please remain calm and show discipline,” Farooq said. “Respect local laws and do not believe rumors of any sort.”
The advisory comes after flight operations have been disrupted across the Middle East and Gulf, following the February 28 US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran. The escalation has now engulfed the whole region and Pakistanis in these countries are extremely worried.
🔊 Message from Ambassador @AmbFarooq for #Pakistanis in the Kingdom of #SaudiArabia. pic.twitter.com/LYvCIAZCzH
— Pakistan Embassy Saudi Arabia (@PakinSaudiArab) March 8, 2026
Many are stranded while trying to take a flight back home, while airspace closure has forced airlines to cancel or reroute thousands of flights. Beyond the region, this is affecting passengers worldwide as Gulf airports host hundreds of layover flights everyday.
The region’s busiest aviation hubs, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, collectively handle around 90,000 passengers daily through major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.
Pakistan has been particularly affected because of its heavy air travel links with Gulf states, where millions of Pakistanis live and work. Hundreds of domestic and international flights to and from Pakistan have been canceled or delayed since the conflict started.
State media reported that the disruptions have especially impacted Pakistani Umrah pilgrims and other travelers in western Saudi Arabia.
Read More: Pakistan Urges Citizens in Iran to Register for Swift Repatriation Amid Escalating War
In response, Pakistani diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia have established assistance teams at airports to help stranded passengers.
According to Ambassador Farooq, these teams are monitoring the situation and providing support such as arranging accommodation, food and medicines for affected travelers. They are also assisting passengers with flight rebookings and travel coordination.
Pakistani missions have additionally stationed teams in border regions to guide citizens toward nearby cities and facilitate their eventual return to Pakistan if required.
Pakistani officials have advised citizens in Saudi Arabia to stay in contact with the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah through emergency helplines if they face difficulties.
