ISLAMABAD – Travelers flying through Karachi and Lahore have been warned of temporary airspace restrictions as the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) imposes operational adjustments on certain flight paths.
The restrictions, in effect from 12:00 p.m. on October 28 to 3:00 p.m. on October 29 (PST), aim to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow. While airports remain open, some flights may be rerouted, causing minor schedule adjustments. Aviation authorities emphasized that such measures are routine worldwide, ensuring smooth coordination in busy air corridors.
The announcement comes amid rising regional tensions, with Indian media reporting that the airspace closure coincides with a large-scale tri-service exercise by India along the Pakistan border following Operation Sindoor. The drills reportedly involve the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing “joint operational capabilities, self-reliance, and advanced technological innovation.”
According to reports, the Indian exercise includes offensive maneuvers in creek and desert sectors, amphibious operations off the Saurashtra coast, and multi-domain exercises incorporating Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW), and cyber operations. Indian officials said the drills aim to enhance interoperability and readiness for potential combat scenarios.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited troops in Jaisalmer and Bhuj, warning Pakistan against any action in the disputed Sir Creek area, declaring that any misadventure would face a response “strong enough to change history and geography.”
In response, Pakistan’s naval leadership is demonstrating readiness and vigilance. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf visited forward posts in the creek areas, reaffirming that protecting maritime borders and sea lines of communication (SLOCs) is crucial for national sovereignty and economic stability. He emphasized that the Pakistan Navy is the “vanguard of peace and stability” in the Indian Ocean and a key stakeholder in regional maritime security.
As airspace restrictions remain in effect and regional military maneuvers unfold, travelers and airlines are urged to stay alert, while Pakistan continues to assert readiness and vigilance in both air and maritime domains.
Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian flights till 23 July 2025
