Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on May 2, 2025, the temporary closure of specific portions of the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs) daily from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM between May 1 and May 31, citing heightened security concerns.
According to CAA officials, the partial restrictions, affecting selected air corridors, will reroute commercial flights via alternative paths to minimise disruptions. This will ensure operations at major airports like Jinnah International in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International in Lahore continue with minimal adjustments.
Read: PIA Cancels Islamabad-Gilgit-Skardu Flights as India-Pakistan Tensions Rise
The decision follows increased regional tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Pakistan to place all airports on high alert and cancel commercial flights to and from Gilgit and Skardu on May 1.
Air traffic control has intensified monitoring, particularly foreign airlines transiting Indian airspace, requiring air defence clearance numbers for all aircraft. The measures, described as precautionary, aim to safeguard national airspace security amid strict surveillance protocols.
