Pak-India tensions: Lahore, Karachi airspace reopened

LAHORE: Lahore and Karachi airspace has been reopened after earlier operational restrictions were lifted, according to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).

In response to recent Indian missile strikes on Pakistani territory, Pakistan has closed its airspace for 48 hours, leading to the suspension of all domestic and international flights. 

This had led to closure of major airports, including Islamabad International Airport and Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Airport sources said the previously restricted airspace over Lahore and Karachi has been reopened and is now available for flight operations. However airspace over Islamabad, Sialkot and northern areas will still remain closed, according to sources.

Passengers have been advised to stay in close contact with their respective airlines due to the evolving situation.

Final decisions regarding flight schedules rest with the airlines, the sources added.

INTERNATIONAL ROUTES AFFECTED

Earlier major Gulf carriers—Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways—had suspended flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha to northern Indian and Pakistani cities.

Emirates cancelled flights to Sialkot, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, although operations to and from Karachi continue as scheduled.

Etihad confirmed that several flights were rerouted mid-air. Indian airlines IndiGo and SpiceJet also issued alerts to passengers.

“Airports in northern Indian cities including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar remain closed until further notice,” SpiceJet said on Wednesday morning.

The closure of Pakistani airspace has also affected long-haul routes between Europe and Asia.

Taiwan’s EVA Air announced it would reroute its European flights to avoid areas affected by the conflict. One flight from Vienna was diverted back, while another from Taipei to Milan was redirected to Vienna for refueling before continuing.

Korean Air began rerouting its Incheon–Dubai flights on Wednesday, opting for a southern path via Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India instead of flying over Pakistan.

Thai Airways also announced that it would start rerouting its flights to Europe and South Asia from Wednesday, warning passengers of possible delays.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s website showed that China Airlines’ non-stop flight to London was cancelled Wednesday.

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