In a precautionary move, Pakistan has announced the temporary closure of its airspace near the Indian border for two consecutive days, according to an official Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
The restriction will remain in effect on October 28 and 29, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and is expected to impact several flight routes that pass through the Lahore and Karachi Flight Information Regions (FIRs), both of which are close to the Indian frontier.
As per the notice, domestic and international airlines operating in these zones have been advised to adjust their flight schedules and take necessary precautions to minimize disruption. Carriers may be required to reroute or delay certain flights during the restricted hours to ensure compliance with the temporary ban.
While the Civil Aviation Authority has not officially disclosed the reason behind the closure, aviation insiders suggest it may be linked to ongoing military exercises on the Indian side of the border. Such precautionary steps are not uncommon and are typically taken to safeguard civilian air traffic during defense drills or strategic operations near sensitive zones.
Industry experts believe the overall impact on air travel will remain minimal, given that the closure window is short and falls in the early morning hours when flight frequency is relatively low. Still, airlines are keeping a close watch on the situation and coordinating with air traffic control to avoid any last-minute complications.
Authorities have confirmed that the airspace will reopen as scheduled at 9 a.m. each day, after which normal flight operations will resume. Passengers planning to travel during this period are advised to check with their respective airlines for possible changes in departure or arrival times.
A senior aviation official noted that while such temporary airspace closures are rare, they serve as a necessary safety protocol to prevent any potential conflict between civilian and military air traffic during sensitive operations.
