Lahore and Karachi airports face airspace restrictions due to drills by Pakistan Air Force

2026-03-02 - 16:04

KARACHI – Air travel in key Pakistani airports face slight disruption as Pakistan International Airlines issued a NOTAM warning pilots about temporary airspace closures in Lahore and Karachi flight information regions. Military exercises by Pakistan Air Force will restrict sections of airspace, triggering periodic flight disruptions from March 3 to March 31 and raising serious concerns for travelers and airlines alike. Authorities confirmed that commercial operations will be affected amid rising geopolitical instability tied to military exchanges between the United States and Israel, alongside retaliatory missile strikes by Iran. The turbulence has already sent shockwaves through regional aviation, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights and leaving at least 11 international services grounded for days. Major aviation hubs expected to bear the brunt of the closures include Allama Iqbal International Airport, Jinnah International Airport, and New Islamabad International Airport—key gateways for international and Middle Eastern-bound traffic. Officials warn that disruptions could extend beyond passenger services to cargo operations, with airlines scrambling to adjust schedules and secure alternative routes. Travel chaos is already visible on the ground and in the skies. One foreign carrier’s flight remains stranded at Multan Airport, while two additional flights are grounded at Sialkot Airport. Airlines are increasingly diverting traffic through Pakistani and Afghan airspace to bypass restricted Middle Eastern corridors, creating congestion and operational headaches on alternative routes.’ Flight Disruptions The ripple effects have reached major international transit hubs, with Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Hamad International Airport reporting restrictions and operational slowdowns. Flight cancellations, extended travel times, and soaring operational costs underscore the growing strain on global aviation networks as overflight options shrink and regional tensions persist. Authorities continue to monitor developments, but with airspace closures and escalating geopolitical uncertainty, the coming weeks could see further disruptions. Travelers are urged to check flight updates and remain prepared for schedule changes as airlines adapt to an evolving and unpredictable situation. Arif Habib-led consortium aims for full control of PIA by acquiring remaining 25%