Pakistan: Airspace remains closed to transit flights until April 24 /update 27

Event

According to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) published by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday, April 09, the general closure of the country's airspace to international transit flights remains in effect until at least 15:00 (local time) on Wednesday, April 24. Flight operations are active, subject to restrictions, at Jinnah International Airport (KHI), Peshawar International Airport (PEW), Quetta International Airport (UET), and Islamabad International Airport (ISB). An extension of the airspace closure is possible should tensions between India and Pakistan escalate.

Context

The CAA closed Pakistani airspace on February 27 after a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jet was shot down above Pakistan-controlled Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 

Officials amended airspace restrictions on March 26, allowing domestic and international flights from all Pakistani airports. 

Tensions significantly escalated between India and Pakistan after the IAF conducted airstrikes on a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp near Balakot (Pakistan) on February 26. JeM claimed responsibility for a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack in Pulwama district (Jammu and Kashmir state) on February 14, which killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary officers. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the assailants. The Indian airstrikes initiated a series of retaliatory airstrikes and artillery fire near the Line of Control (LoC). 

India and Pakistan both claim sovereignty over Kashmir, which has been the focus of periodic violent conflict since 1947.

Advice

Individuals traveling via Pakistan are advised to monitor the situation, maintain flexible itineraries, and contact their airlines for more information.