Restrictions apply daily for six hours amid security concerns
Karachi: Pakistan has temporarily closed selected air traffic service routes in the Karachi and Lahore flight information regions, the Pakistan Airports Authority announced through a Notice to Airmen.
According to the notice, specific ATS route segments within the Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) regions will remain unavailable for commercial flight operations from March 3 to March 31. The restrictions will apply daily between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Authorities cited “operational reasons” for the closures during the specified hours. However, officials did not provide further details about the nature of the restrictions.
Meanwhile, an official confirmed that flight operations will continue through alternative routes to ensure domestic and international services remain functional throughout the affected period. Airlines have begun adjusting flight paths accordingly to minimize disruption for passengers.
Airlines shift operations as regional tensions persist
The decision comes amid heightened regional security concerns that have disrupted aviation activity in recent days. As tensions persist across parts of the Middle East and South Asia, aviation authorities have increased monitoring and precautionary measures.
Consequently, carriers operating in and out of Pakistan have reviewed flight plans and coordinated with air traffic control to maintain safety and efficiency.
Officials emphasized that the temporary route closures aim to support operational management rather than suspend overall air travel. They added that authorities will continue assessing the situation and may revise restrictions if necessary.
Passengers have been advised to stay in contact with airlines for updated schedules, although no widespread cancellations have been reported so far.
