ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Monday that it will partially close its airspace for commercial flights from March 3 to March 31, following disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The regional disruptions come after US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Saturday, and Iran’s counterattacks on Israel and US bases in Gulf countries. Key air routes have been affected, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute thousands of flights.
Officials said around 184 international flights connecting Pakistan with Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Sharjah, and other destinations were canceled in the past 24 hours.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), selected flight routes in Karachi and Lahore FIRs will be unavailable daily from 0900 to 1500 Pakistan Standard Time during March 3–31. The PAA did not give a detailed reason for the partial closure.
An airport official, speaking anonymously, said more than 100 flights to Pakistan were canceled on Monday alone. Karachi airport reported 32 cancellations, including flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Sharjah, Kuwait, and Bahrain, while Lahore airport saw 22 cancellations. Other airports, including Peshawar, Faisalabad, Quetta, and Multan, also faced cancellations.
Since Saturday, over 300 flights between Pakistan and Middle Eastern destinations have been canceled nationwide. Domestic flights have been less affected.
Saifullah Khan, spokesperson for the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, urged passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest updates, as airlines provide real-time information on cancellations and schedule changes.
Pakistan Partially Closes Airspace Amid Middle East Crisis
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