Islamabad, May 8, 2025: In a sudden move reflecting rising regional tensions, Pakistan has temporarily suspended commercial flight operations at three key airports—Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot.
The unprecedented action, announced through an official aviation notice, has caused flight disruptions and diversions, particularly affecting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operations.
According to airport authorities, a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued early Thursday, confirming the suspension of several air corridors linked to these three cities.
The temporary closure is expected to last until 12:00 PM today, barring any extension due to the evolving situation.
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“Several air routes within Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot have been closed for commercial flights,” the NOTAM stated, citing “operational reasons” for the precautionary measure.
Although specifics of the regional unrest were not publicly detailed, security analysts link the closure to recent military activity near Pakistan’s eastern borders.
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As a direct consequence, PIA flights have seen immediate disruptions.
A flight from Medina destined for Lahore was rerouted to Karachi, while another from Multan to Lahore was similarly diverted. These last-minute changes have left passengers confused and concerned, especially those traveling during Eid holidays.
A senior civil aviation official, speaking anonymously, mentioned:
“This is a purely precautionary measure based on airspace safety protocols in light of heightened regional sensitivities.”
This isn’t the first time Pakistan has shut down major air routes. A similar move in 2019, following border tensions with India, disrupted more than 400 flights in just two days.
However, this time the closure is more contained, though strategically significant given the economic and logistical role of Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot airports.
