Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has announced a partial closure of its airspace for commercial flights starting Tuesday; the Pakistan Airports Authority issued a formal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) late Monday.
The notice says selected air traffic service route segments in the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions will be unavailable for civilian flights, from March 3 through March 31.
Officials said the move is linked to a combination of factors, including regional tensions that have disrupted air corridors and military exercises involving fighter aircraft. The PAA described the restrictions as “operational reasons” in the NOTAM but did not specify any security concerns.
The temporary airspace restrictions come amid significant global air travel disruptions triggered by the current situation in the Middle East.
Countries throughout the region have either closed or restricted their skies following recent military strikes and counter strikes, forcing airlines to cancel, reroute, or suspend flights.
As a result of these closures, more than 150 international flights connecting Pakistani airports with key Middle Eastern destinations have already been canceled in recent days, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing delays.
Read More: Thousands of Flights Cancelled as Middle East Airspace Shuts Down
Aviation authorities in Pakistan have urged travelers to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and schedule changes.
While Pakistan’s airspace remains open outside of the designated restricted hours, the partial closures have prompted operational adjustments.
Airlines are required to reroute flights or adjust schedules to avoid the affected sectors during the restricted hours, and some carriers have reported logistical challenges as they adapt to available corridors.
The closures also reflect a broader pattern of precautionary measures by aviation authorities in the region in response to evolving security dynamics.
Airspace management agencies worldwide have been coordinating to balance safety requirements with continued civil flight operations amid military confrontations that show no immediate signs of de-escalation.
Passengers traveling today and later this week are advised to stay in close contact with airlines for updated schedules and potential changes, as the situation remains fluid and subject to further adjustment depending on developments in the region.
Usman Naseer
Usman Naseer is a writer and researcher in international affairs, conflict studies, and geopolitics. With a background in Peace and Conflict Studies, his work explores emerging security challenges, diplomacy, and global power shifts.
