Pakistan has announced the closure of specific parts of its Karachi and Lahore Fly Information Regions (FIRs) for a limited period every day in May, citing security authorities, the aviation authorities said on Thursday.
According to an official message, the limited airspace is closed daily from 04:00 to 8:00 local time between May 1 and 31 May.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the closure will not significantly interfere with the commercial aircraft operations as aircraft will be redirected via alternative air routes during the limited hours.
The decision affects selected corridors within eighty rather than a complete shutdown and is implemented as a precautionary measure, officials added.
Authorities confirmed that air traffic in and out of major airports such as Jinnah International in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International in Lahore will continue with minimal adjustments.
Yesterday, the authorities in air traffic management issued new directives to monitor all flying movements, including foreign airlines transiting through Pakistani airspace.
For security reasons, all commercial aircraft that are scheduled to operate to and from Gilgit and Skardu are canceled on Wednesday.
Officials said the measures are cautious and aim to ensure national airspace safety during a period of elevated regional tension.
Moroever, in the wake of increased tension between Pakistan and India after the recent event in Pahaldam, the authorities in Pakistan have placed all airports across the country under high alarm, which is significantly increased security and surveillance protocols.
According to aviation sources, strict surveillance has begun by all foreign airlines operating aircraft that either undergo or originate from the Indian airspace. While Indian Airlines remains forbidden to operate in Pakistan, aircraft from other international carriers continue under increased control.
Controllers have been instructed to require air defense clarification numbers from pilots of any suspicious aircraft before departure. No aircraft is cleared without proper documentation and identification.
