Flight Operations Temporarily Halted at Key Pakistani Airports

The Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) announced on Thursday the temporary suspension of flight operations at Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Sialkot airports, given the existing tensions between Pakistan and India.

Initially, the PAA declared the airports would be closed until 12 PM today, which was subsequently extended to 6 PM.

Consequently, the authority advised travelers to maintain contact with their respective airlines for the most up-to-date information.

The suspension of flight operations at Karachi and Islamabad airports was also in effect until 12 PM today, as stated by the airport authority.

According to the PAA, the temporary halt of flight operations at Islamabad Airport was due to operational considerations.

This determination by the authority was made amid increased concerns of potential incursions into Pakistani airspace by Indian forces.

Several airlines, predominantly Asian carriers, have revealed cancellations and alterations to flight routes following strikes within Pakistani territory, which has intensified the existing crisis between the two nuclear-armed nations.

Post-strike images from flight tracking websites displayed numerous airlines rerouting flights over Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, potentially leading to airspace congestion.

Pakistani officials reported that there were 57 international flights navigating Pakistan’s airspace at the time of the Indian strikes.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Shehbaz Sharif, indicated that India’s actions presented a “severe threat to commercial airlines” belonging to Gulf countries and “endangered lives.”

Earlier on Wednesday night, the PAA had confirmed that all airports nationwide were operating as usual after a brief closure of the national airspace.

Pakistan had previously suspended flight operations at major airports following an incursion inside the country on Tuesday-Wednesday night.