The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspended its flights utilising Iranian airspace on Tuesday, following Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Israel.

In a statement, the national flag carrier issued directives to all captains and flight operations regarding the decision.

A spokesperson stated that flight plans were being revised to avoid Iranian airspace until the situation “becomes clearer.”

The spokesperson explained that the PIA operates two corridors through Iranian airspace: the northern corridor, which is used for flights to Canada and Turkey, and the southern corridor, which services routes to the UAE, Bahrain, Doha, and Saudi Arabia.

Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel in response to Israel’s actions against Tehran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.

Air raid sirens blared throughout Israel, and explosions were reported in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley as residents rushed into bomb shelters. During live broadcasts, reporters on state television took cover on the ground.

Reuters journalists observed missiles being intercepted in the airspace over neighbouring Jordan. Media reports said that as many as 100 missiles had been fired.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have stated that the missile strikes that targeted Israel are a retaliation for the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as well as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier this year.