Pakistan Temporarily Restricts Airspace in Karachi and Lahore for Pakistan Air Force Fighter Jet Exercises

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) imposing temporary restrictions on selected airspace sectors within the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs) to facilitate military exercises by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

The restrictions, effective from March 3 to March 31, will see designated air routes closed to commercial flights daily between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. local time. This six-hour window each day is intended to allow PAF fighter jets to conduct training and operational drills safely, amid an evolving regional security environment.

A PAA spokesperson confirmed that the measure is necessary due to the involvement of fighter aircraft in the exercises, during which various sectors of the Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) FIRs will be unavailable for civilian aviation. Airlines have been advised to adjust flight schedules, reroute where possible, or anticipate delays for affected departures, arrivals, and overflights.

Passengers traveling through major hubs like Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore are urged to check with their airlines for updates on potential disruptions during the specified hours over the coming weeks.

Pakistan’s civil aviation authorities regularly implement such temporary measures to prioritize military readiness while minimizing impact on commercial operations.