Pakistan Lifts Temporary Airspace Ban as Flight Operations Resume Nationwide

KARACHI: After a brief but sweeping suspension, Pakistan has restored its flight operations across the country. This move reverses a 48-hour airspace restriction imposed amid heightened regional security concerns.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed the update late Monday through a new NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), effectively reopening aerial corridors over major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Quetta. The earlier decision had grounded both domestic and international flights, causing widespread disruption at airports nationwide.

“Due to recent developments in the region, precautionary restrictions were put in place. However, airspace is now open and operational. Airlines will determine their own scheduling and routing,” a CAA official said.

Airports Back in Action, but With Caution

While the reopening signals a return to normalcy, the CAA has advised travelers to remain vigilant and stay in close contact with their airlines.

Although airports such as Jinnah International in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International in Lahore are once again functional, airlines may still make last-minute adjustments. These changes could be in response to logistical or security considerations.

“Passengers are urged not to proceed to the airport without checking the status of their flights,” the advisory added.

Earlier Lockdown: A Nationwide Halt

The temporary suspension, announced late Saturday, had effectively paralyzed air travel across Pakistan.

Major aviation hubs, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Quetta, were shuttered. Islamabad International Airport also suspended all flight operations, redirecting incoming traffic to Karachi.

During the blackout, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled all services for a 12-hour period, citing “unpredictable operational conditions” as the reason for grounding its fleet.

What Prompted the Closure?

Though no official cause was detailed, aviation insiders link the airspace shutdown to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Security analysts view the move as a proactive step to minimize risks in light of evolving military dynamics.

Now that restrictions have been lifted, flight operations are expected to stabilize gradually. However, uncertainty still lingers, especially among international carriers that are keeping a close eye on the regional climate.

While the skies are open once again, Pakistan’s brief airspace closure serves as a reminder of how swiftly geopolitical shifts can ground global mobility. For passengers, the message remains clear: stay updated, stay flexible, and don’t head to the airport without checking first.