Pakistan Airports Authority has repaired the airspace restrictions in Lahore, closing the main commercial routes for operational reasons. According to a new NOTAM published on Wednesday, flight operations on roads J139, J165 and J186 were suspended for 24 hours.
Previously, Pakistan restored the flight operations on Lahore and Karachi after the suspension of airspace due to operational restrictions, according to a new NOTAM (opinion to aviators) issued by Civil Pakistan Aviation Authority.
The closure of the airspace has followed increased security alerts issued after Indian air strikes on the Pakistani territory. As a precaution, the flight operations were interrupted and the airspace was temporarily closed to trade traffic.
A CAA spokesperson has confirmed that affected air corridors are now fully open and that normal operations can resume. However, passengers are advisable to stay in touch with their respective airlines, as planning and routing decisions remain at the discretion of carriers.
Security in the main airports, including Islamabad International, had been brought up to red alert status following strikes.
Airlines should gradually restore services as the situation stabilizes.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan imposed a high security alert and suspended flight operations in several key airports early Wednesday morning after Indian air strikes in Pakistan, Express News reported.
According to official sources, Islamabad international airport was placed under red alert status and its airspace was closed to all commercial air traffic. Sudden move disrupted flight operations, with three incoming flights rebroadcast for alternative airports.
The affected flights included a service of the Qatar Airways of Doha, a Saudi Airlines flight, and an operation by a private carrier. These planes were diverted to Peshawar airports and other neighboring cities as a precaution.
Sources suggest that emergency measures have been launched on fears of possible hostile action by India. In Rawalpindi, witnesses reported continuous patrols by Air Force planes and strong sounds echoing in the sky.
Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Skardu and Peshawar airports have also been placed on alert, with emergency protocols activated through the country’s aviation infrastructure.
