The authority explains that certain ATS routes within the Karachi, Lahore regions are affected daily 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 accessible for all types of commercial operations, denying 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 the specified hours.
PAA explained that specific ATS routes within the Karachi and Lahore flight information regions will be affected daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Pakistan Airports Authority – Clarification of latest NOTAM
Some media and social media accounts (@shaheryarhassan @KazmiWajahat) falsely claims that Pakistan’s 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 reports could cause unnecessary worry or inconvenience to passengers. The PAA urged the public and the 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 ensure smooth and safe aviation operations nationwide.
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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 information regions during specific hours, citing the evolving regional situation.
Along with passengers, air cargo services have also been suspended, halting the transportation of various goods, including food and other supplies. It remains unclear when flights will resume, the reports added.
According to PAA data, more than 500 flights departing from and arriving at various airports across Pakistan were cancelled. The suspension of air cargo services also disrupted the delivery of food and other goods, creating 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 carriers to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Sharjah, Dubai, Turkey, Iraq, Iran and other countries were cancelled.
