Pakistan International Airlines cancels some flights from Karachi to New Delhi, Mumbai owing to 'very poor' passenger numbers

Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has cancelled some flights from Karachi to New Delhi and Mumbai due to a significant drop in passengers travelling between the major cities of the two countries in the last three to four weeks.

"Very poor" passenger numbers has been cited by Pakistan's national carrier as the reason behind cancelling some flights on these routes. In a statement issued today, PIA said that its flights from Lahore to New Delhi are operating normally. The diplomatic relations between the South Asian neighbors have reached an all time low after the Uri terror attack last month.

"Lahore-New Delhi flights are operating normally, however due to very poor load during last three to four weeks few of the Karachi-New Delhi and Karachi-Mumbai flights have been cancelled," the airline said.

Passengers who had reservations on these cancelled flights have either been accommodated on PIA's subsequent flights or re-routed to Pakistan through other airlines, it added.

Against the backdrop of tensions between the two countries, there have also been reports saying the Indian government might look at airspace restrictions for Pakistan airlines.