The civil aviation authority of Pakistan has provisionally closed particular parts of the airspace over Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs) between May 1 and May 31, 2025, citing increased security risks. The development comes amid escalating regional tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack in India, which resulted in the death of 26 tourists, as reported by several Pakistani media outlets.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced that the restricted areas within the FIRs will be closed every day from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM during the month. Authorities clarified that this is a precautionary measure and that commercial flight operations will continue via alternate routes.
Flight Adjustments and Cancellations by PIA
Due to the restrictions, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has canceled six round-trip flights to adapt to the new airspace rules. The canceled flights are:
- Islamabad to Gilgit: PK-601, PK-603, PK-605
- Gilgit to Islamabad: PK-602, PK-604
- Islamabad to Skardu: PK-451
Aviation authorities verified that air traffic controllers have been directed to handle safe flight navigation for all scheduled flights using alternative air corridors. They emphasized that the closures are temporary and tactical, aimed at reducing risk during peak hours of vulnerability.
Though no direct threats were revealed, the timing of the airspace shutdown neatly follows a wave of regional turbulence, with experts citing the immediate wake of the Pahalgam attack as a probable trigger.
The move has ignited operational difficulties, but authorities stress that passenger security and national security continue to be priorities amid this heightened state of alert.
