Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a new operational directive requiring foreign airlines flying to Pakistan to carry sufficient fuel for their return journeys, reflecting updated fuel management measures at local airports.

According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) released by the aviation authority, international carriers will no longer be permitted to depend on refueling facilities within Pakistan and must plan flights with adequate onboard fuel for departure.

Aviation industry sources said the directive has already begun influencing flight operations. A foreign airline flight operating from Karachi to Doha was reportedly compelled to make a technical stop in Muscat for refueling earlier this week due to fuel planning constraints.

Sources further noted that carrying additional fuel increases aircraft weight, forcing some airlines to limit payload capacity. As a result, certain flights have left behind passenger baggage and cargo to comply with operational safety limits.

Industry observers expect the measure to temporarily impact airline scheduling and logistics until carriers adjust their flight planning and load management strategies.