PAA Extends Advisory for Airlines to Carry Extra Fuel

The Pakistan Airports Authority has extended a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) until April 30, directing airlines operating to and from Pakistan to carry additional fuel from abroad.

The directive comes amid ongoing disruptions in jet fuel availability and operational challenges linked to the regional situation in the Middle East.

The authority had introduced the measure earlier to help airlines manage fuel planning during the disruption, and the extension continues the same arrangements.

Industry experts have warned that the situation could worsen, with passenger flights potentially facing disruptions in the coming weeks due to a global shortage of aviation fuel.

Energy economist Claudio Galimberti said the situation could become systemic within three to four weeks, leading to severe flight cuts in regions such as Europe starting from May and June.

Experts said countries in Asia are likely to be affected first, followed by Europe, as both regions depend heavily on oil supplies and refineries in the Gulf. They added that some flights have already been canceled due to fuel shortages, raising concerns about broader disruptions in global aviation operations.