Pakistan’s aviation authorities have announced the continued partial closure of a key segment of the Karachi-Lahore Flight Information Region (FIR) until May 31, citing operational and security concerns amid heightened tensions with India.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), a specific air corridor will remain unavailable daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, alternative routes are in place to ensure uninterrupted commercial flight operations.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Airport Authority confirmed the measure, stressing that it is precautionary and not expected to significantly impact domestic air traffic. “All necessary arrangements have been made to support safe flight operations via alternate routes,” the spokesperson said.
Aviation sources added that air traffic controllers will be on standby to assist aircraft navigating the affected zone, especially during peak operational hours between 3:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
The airspace restrictions follow increased regional tensions after the recent Pahalgam incident in Indian-administered Kashmir, which has contributed to a series of diplomatic and logistical escalations between Pakistan and India.
Authorities emphasized that the closure is part of standard aviation safety protocols. Passengers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines for real-time updates regarding flight schedules and routes.
Over 1,000 Indian Flights Disrupted
The partial closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers has now entered its tenth day, causing major disruptions in regional air traffic. Over 1,000 Indian flights have been affected, with estimated financial losses exceeding 200 million Indian rupees.
Major Indian airlines—Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, AirAsia, and Air India Express—have been forced to cancel or reroute flights. Services to Central Asia have been suspended, and flights from key hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Ahmedabad to Dubai have also faced significant delays or cancellations.
Passengers have voiced frustration over lack of refunds and poor customer service as airlines struggle to manage the fallout from the ongoing airspace restrictions.
