KARACHI: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has clarified that Pakistan’s airspace remains fully open and operational for commercial flights, dismissing reports circulating on social and mainstream media that suggested a “partial closure” of the country’s airspace.
According to the authority, the reports were based on a misinterpretation of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which is a routine operational notification issued for aviation purposes.
The NOTAM only refers to the temporary unavailability of specific Air Traffic Services (ATS) route segments within the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs). The restrictions apply daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm between March 3 and March 31 and extend from ground level to unlimited altitude for operational reasons.
Officials emphasized that the measure does not represent a closure of Pakistan’s airspace and does not affect commercial aviation operations.
“Pakistan’s airspace remains fully available, safe and open for all civil aviation operations, including commercial flights,” the authority said in a statement, adding that air traffic services continue without interruption.
The PAA further noted that alternative routes are being used normally for the affected segments, ensuring that arrivals, departures and overflights remain unaffected.
Air traffic controllers and airport operational teams across the country remain fully functional and continue to manage flight operations as usual.
The authority also urged media organizations and social media users to avoid spreading inaccurate or sensational information that may create unnecessary concern among passengers.
