PIA Flight Avoids Missile Strike at Fujairah Airport During Middle East Tensions

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight narrowly escaped a missile attack near the naval headquarters adjacent to Fujairah Airport this morning, March 17, 2026. Flight PK-175, arriving from Islamabad with 123 passengers and 8 crew members, landed safely at 6:00 AM despite smoke and panic spreading in the surrounding area following the missile strike targeting the nearby naval base. Another flight, PK-173, also arrived safely, and airport authorities ensured both planes returned to Lahore and Islamabad without injuries, although minor delays occurred. In response, PIA is adjusting regional operations, maintaining flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi while temporarily suspending Dammam-bound services due to heightened Middle East security risks. Long-haul flights to Europe and Canada are being rerouted via Afghanistan’s Wakhan corridor following Iranian airspace closures. The incident comes amid escalating regional tensions after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, forcing closures of major hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, stranding tens of thousands of passengers worldwide. PIA and other airlines are now navigating a highly volatile airspace environment to maintain safety and continuity.