KARACHI, March 3, 2026: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Tuesday rejected media reports claiming a “partial closure” of Pakistan’s airspace, terming the interpretation “incorrect and misleading.”
In an official clarification issued from its headquarters at Jinnah International Airport, the authority said the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) — A0134/26, referencing A0130/26 — is a routine operational advisory and does not indicate any broad restriction on commercial air traffic.
According to the PAA, the NOTAM announces the temporary unavailability of specific Air Traffic Services (ATS) route segments within the Karachi Flight Information Region and Lahore Flight Information Region during daily time windows from 0400 to 1000 UTC (0900 to 1500 PKT), effective from March 3 to March 31, 2026.
The affected segments are closed from ground level (GND) to unlimited altitude (UNL) for what the authority described as “standard operational reasons.”
The PAA emphasized that Pakistan’s airspace remains fully open, safe, and completely available for all civil aviation traffic, including commercial flights, arrivals, departures, and overflights.
“Air traffic services continue without hindrance, and alternative routing options are available and routinely used for all affected flows,” the statement said, adding that no restrictions have been imposed on commercial operations across the country.
Airport teams and air traffic controllers are operating normally and managing flight movements without disruption, the authority added.
The aviation regulator urged media outlets and social media users to rely on official statements and avoid sensational or inaccurate reporting that may create unnecessary concern among passengers and the public.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and aviation safety, the PAA said it continues to uphold the highest standards of operational efficiency and service across Pakistan’s airports and airspace.
