All flights bound for Gilgit, Skardu and other northern airstrips have been suspended today as aviation and security authorities respond to elevated risk levels over the region. The decision affects both commercial carriers and charter services operating in Pakistan’s mountainous north. Officials have cited unspecified security concerns as the reason for the groundings, though they have not released further details on the precise nature of the threat.
The cancellations come amid rising tensions in the broader region, where recent reports of increased military activity and heightened alertness along sensitive air corridors have put aviation routes on high scrutiny. While no official statement has linked these developments to any particular incident or group, the move reflects a precautionary stance by the authorities to ensure passenger and crew safety until the situation is fully assessed.
Travelers who had booked tickets for flights to Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral and other destinations in the northern areas are being advised to immediately contact their airlines for information on refund options, alternate flight schedules, or rerouting possibilities. Airport customer service desks and airline call centers report high call volumes as passengers seek clarity on onward travel plans, accommodations, and potential transfer arrangements. Those already in transit have been instructed to remain in secure zones within the airport premises until further notice.
Industry insiders suggest that the suspension could last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the outcome of ongoing security evaluations by civil aviation authorities and military liaisons. Local hoteliers and tour operators, many of whom rely heavily on winter sports and summer trekking seasons, are closely monitoring developments, as prolonged cancellations would directly impact the tourism-driven economy of the Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions.
Authorities emphasize that they continue to assess intelligence inputs and will resume flight operations as soon as conditions permit. Further announcements regarding the reinstatement of services, updated safety protocols, and any additional travel advisories will be communicated through official channels and airline notifications. Passengers are urged to stay tuned to their carriers’ websites and social media feeds for the latest information.
