Air Routes Closure in Karachi and Lahore Extended Till March 31

Rawalpindi — Air routes closure in Karachi and Lahore regions has been announced by the Pakistan Airports Authority, temporarily shutting specific segments daily from 9 am to 3 pm starting March 3, 2026, through March 31 amid regional security concerns tied to the Iran-Israel-US conflict.

This precautionary measure disrupts some commercial operations across the Middle East, with airlines halting services and Pakistan rerouting flights to maintain connectivity. A notice to airmen highlights “operational reasons” for the unavailability in the Karachi and Lahore flight information regions, ensuring safety while alternative paths keep international and domestic travel flowing.

Aviation experts note it’s a vigilant step, with authorities closely monitoring developments. On Monday, most Middle East flights from Islamabad were cancelled, except one Etihad arrival, though Pakistan International Airlines services to Saudi Arabia continue uninterrupted — a nod to the nation’s adaptive aviation sector safeguarding pilgrims and traders alike.

Key Highlights

• Specific air traffic service route segments in Karachi and Lahore FIRs closed daily from 9 am to 3 pm, March 3 to March 31, 2026.
• Closure due to ongoing Middle East tensions from Iran-Israel-US conflict, prompting widespread airline halts.
• Alternative routes activated to sustain international and domestic flights without major interruptions.
• Monday impacts: No commercial flights from Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Kuwait, or Muscat to Islamabad, except Etihad Airways EY300 from Abu Dhabi at 7:30 pm.
• PIA flights to and from Saudi Arabia remain fully operational, supporting essential travel.
• Total disruptions: Around 116 outbound flights from Pakistan to Middle East cancelled recently, affecting thousands but with rerouting in place.

The decision — coming amid a tense regional backdrop — feels like a prudent call, the kind that puts safety first without grinding everything to a halt. Families planning trips might grumble about delays, but knowing alternatives are in play offers some comfort.

Experts point out these steps align with global practices during conflicts, where airspace adjustments prevent risks. It’s a reminder of how interconnected our skies are — one flare-up in the Gulf, and ripples reach here.

Yet, with PIA holding steady on Saudi routes, it shows Pakistan’s aviation resilience, keeping vital links open for business and faith.

This air routes closure, while challenging, demonstrates proactive governance, prioritizing security to foster long-term stability for the nation’s travelers and economy.

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