Pakistan Issues NOTAM Restricting Air Routes in Central and Northern Regions Amid Military Drills

Pakistan has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) imposing temporary restrictions on designated air routes across central and northern parts of the country, including areas near the capital Islamabad and the eastern city of Lahore. The restrictions will be in effect from July 6 to July 10, 2026, between 07:00 and 11:30 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).

The NOTAM advises airlines and pilots to utilize alternate routes during the specified hours and to closely monitor updates from air traffic control authorities. An accompanying graphic shared on social media highlights key restricted zones, including solid red lines along the VOR-LKR route and a dashed amber line at GUP-FL150, marking areas off-limits to civilian traffic.

The timing of Pakistan’s restrictions coincides with a separate Indian NOTAM announcing Indian Air Force (IAF) exercises along the shared border, raising speculation that the Pakistani measures are linked to Pakistan Air Force drills or related military testing in the region. Such coordinated airspace closures are common during joint or responsive military activities in the sensitive border areas.

Civil aviation authorities have not yet issued an official public statement detailing the exact nature of the exercises, but aviation sources indicate that airlines operating in the affected corridors have been notified to adjust flight plans accordingly to avoid disruptions.

Travelers and aviation stakeholders are urged to check with their respective airlines for any potential schedule changes during the five-day period.