Islamabad (Agencies): Pakistan has announced daily airspace restrictions over Karachi and Lahore between May 1 and May 31, 2025, citing security concerns as tensions with India continue to escalate. According to official reports, selected flight routes will be closed each day from 0400 to 0800 hours to facilitate Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jet patrols amid heightened regional security measures.
Commercial flights during these hours will be rerouted via alternative paths to ensure continuity of operations, though airlines have warned of potential delays or rescheduling. Passengers traveling during this period are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information.
The restrictions come against the backdrop of rising hostilities between Pakistan and India following a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. India has blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack, an allegation Islamabad has strongly denied.
In a retaliatory move, India has closed its airspace to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan—including commercial and military flights—from April 30 to May 23, 2025. The Indian airspace ban has already impacted six weekly flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), including four on the Islamabad–Kuala Lumpur route and two on the Lahore–Kuala Lumpur route. A senior PIA official reported that the suspension has resulted in financial losses running into billions of rupees for the national carrier.
Indian airlines have also faced the fallout of the mutual airspace restrictions, incurring an estimated Rs 77 crore in additional costs per week due to rerouted international flights. Analysts warn that the cumulative monthly impact on Indian carriers could exceed Rs 306 crore.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to defuse the crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, urging restraint and cooperation in investigating the Kashmir attack. The United Nations has also offered to mediate between the nuclear-armed neighbors to prevent further escalation.
As the situation remains fluid, aviation authorities and travelers are closely monitoring developments for potential changes to flight schedules and routes.