In a sudden move prompted by prevailing regional tensions, Pakistan has temporarily suspended commercial flight operations at four of its major airports—Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Sialkot. The disruption began early Thursday morning and is expected to continue until 12 noon the same day, according to a fresh Notice to Airmen (Notam) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
The closure, described as an operational necessity, has led to significant flight delays and diversions, particularly impacting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). A flight from Medina originally scheduled to land in Lahore was diverted to Karachi. Similarly, a flight from Multan to Lahore was rerouted due to operational constraints. One of the affected flights was supposed to land in Lahore at 4:15am but could not do so because of the airspace closure.
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The Notam specifies that several air routes within Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Sialkot remain closed for commercial flights. In Islamabad, arrivals and departures are subject to prior approval from Air Traffic Control, and passengers are advised to consult their airlines or contact ATC before proceeding to the airport.
Despite the temporary disruptions, the situation is being closely monitored by airport authorities in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the safety and smooth handling of passengers and air traffic.
Interestingly, this development contrasts with earlier reassurances from the Pakistan Airports Authority, which on Wednesday had declared that all airports across the country were fully operational. At the time, the PAA emphasized that both domestic and international flights were proceeding without disruption and that the national airspace remained secure for civil aviation.
Sialkot International Airport, which had experienced a brief halt in operations earlier in the week, had also resumed full functionality for both inbound and outbound flights, according to PAA officials.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, and travelers are strongly encouraged to stay updated through official airline communications and airport authorities.
