The Pakistan Airports Authority has issued a NOTAM, temporarily closing selected airspace routes in the Karachi and Lahore Flight-Information Regions between March 3 and March 31.
The restrictions apply daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, preventing commercial flights from entering these sectors during ongoing Pakistan Air Force fighter-jet exercises.
All commercial airlines must reroute or adjust schedules to avoid the restricted airspace during the specified period.
Global air travel remained heavily disrupted as the ongoing war in Iran forced major Middle Eastern airports to remain closed for a third consecutive day, causing widespread flight cancellations.
At least 11 foreign aircraft from Middle Eastern carriers have been stranded at Pakistani airports for three days, while regional airspace continues to face disruptions following escalating conflict after US‑Israeli strikes on Iran.
A foreign airline has been stranded at Multan Airport, while two additional international carriers remain grounded at Sialkot Airport due to airspace restrictions and safety concerns.
Rerouted flights over Pakistani and Afghan airspace have surged, making these corridors some of the busiest worldwide, as airlines seek alternative routes to bypass closed Middle Eastern airspace during heightened regional tensions.