The airports in Lahore, Sialkot, and Karachi have been temporarily closed once again.

 

Pakistan's three major airports—Lahore, Sialkot and Karachi—have been temporarily closed for commercial flights due to tensions with India, airport sources said.

Geo News reported this in a report on Thursday (May 8).

According to a newly issued NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), flight operations in the airspace of these three cities have been suspended since Thursday morning and will remain in effect until 12 noon.

The NOTAM said, "Commercial flight operations on multiple routes in Lahore, Karachi and Sialkot have been temporarily suspended."

The closure of the airspace has affected several flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). A PIA flight from Madinah to Lahore has been diverted to Karachi. Similarly, another flight from Multan to Lahore has also been diverted to Karachi.

In addition, a flight that was scheduled to land in Lahore at 4:15 am could not land due to the temporary ban.

In a statement issued by Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) spokesperson Saifullah Khan, passengers have been requested to contact the concerned airlines for the latest information.

The airport authority said that the situation is being closely monitored and steps are being taken in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the safety of passengers.

Meanwhile, flights departing and landing at Islamabad Airport have been asked to seek prior permission from Air Traffic Control.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) had said in a statement that all airports in the country are operating normally and the national airspace is completely safe for civil aviation.

The statement said, “All domestic and international flights are operating as scheduled. Flight operations at Sialkot Airport have also resumed as normal.”

It was clearly stated, “Air traffic in Sialkot has fully resumed and all international flights will operate as scheduled.”