The authority explains that certain ATS routes within the Karachi and Lahore regions will be affected every day between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Passengers wait outside Jinnah International Airport after all domestic and international flights were canceled in Karachi on May 7, 2025. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Tuesday clarified that Pakistan’s airspace is completely safe and fully available for all types of commercial operations, dismissing recent reports of a partial closure.
In a statement, the authority said NOTAM A0134/26 does not indicate a partial closure of Pakistani airspace. Instead, it refers only to the temporary unavailability of certain Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes during designated hours.
The PAA explained that specific ATS routes within the Karachi and Lahore flight reporting regions will be affected every day between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Pakistan Airports Authority – Clarification on recent NOTAMs
Some media and social network accounts (@shaheryarhassan @KazmiWajahat) incorrectly claim that Pakistani airspace has been “partially closed” to commercial flights.
This is inaccurate and misleading. pic.twitter.com/b4QB547KTk— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) March 3, 2026
“Alternate routes and airports are available and operating normally,” the statement said, adding that all scheduled commercial flights, including arrivals, departures and overflights, remain fully operational.
The authority warned that misinterpretation of NOTAMs and unverified news may cause unnecessary worries or inconvenience to passengers. The PAA urged the public and media to rely only on official sources for accurate information.
“Pakistan’s airspace is fully operational and safe for all commercial traffic,” the PAA said, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring safe and smooth aviation operations across the country.
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A day ago, it was reported that the PAA decided to suspend certain air routes within the Karachi and Lahore flight reporting regions during specific hours, citing the evolving regional situation.
In addition to passengers, air cargo services have also been suspended, paralyzing the transportation of various goods, including food and other supplies. It is still unclear when flights will resume, reports added.
According to PAA data, more than 500 flights departing and arriving at various airports in Pakistan were cancelled. The suspension of air cargo services also disrupted the delivery of food and other goods, causing difficulties not only for passengers but also for industrialists.
Flights from Pakistani airports, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad and Multan, operated by PIA, private airlines and foreign companies to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Sharjah, Dubai, Turkey, Iraq, Iran and other countries were cancelled.
