Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended its Gulf flight operations due to the rapidly changing security situation in the Middle East, as Iran closes its airspace during daytime hours.
Despite regional disruptions, Pakistan’s airspace remains fully functional and safe, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
PIA confirmed that its flights to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait have been suspended. A PIA spokesperson said flights will not operate initially tomorrow evening or until airspace in the region is restored.
The decision comes as airlines reassess flight routes amid escalating tensions and temporary airspace closures in neighboring countries.
Iran closes daytime airspace
Iranian authorities have issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing the temporary closure of Tehran’s airspace from 11:30am to 5pm. Flight traffic in Iranian airspace has been suspended, according to officials in Karachi, after the NOTAM was issued.
All airlines have been instructed to implement the NOTAM and adjust their operations accordingly.
Pakistan airspace fully functional
The Pakistan Airports Authority clarified through its own NOTAM that Pakistani airspace is fully functional and safe.
“All flight operations are continuing as usual,” the PAA said, adding that air traffic control is ready to deal with every possible situation.
Authorities noted that overflights are likely to increase at night if Iranian airspace closures are extended.
Moreover, Pakistan has directed its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace following the attack on Iran, according to sources. Authorities have also tightened airspace monitoring as regional tensions escalate.
In the wake of the attack on Iran, Pakistani airlines have been formally instructed not to use Iranian airspace, sources confirmed. Pakistan Air Traffic Control (ATC) has been instructed to closely monitor the country’s airspace, sources said.
In addition to broader airspace surveillance, ATC has also been specifically directed to keep a close watch on the Iran-Afghanistan border. Officials say the measures are preventive in nature and designed to respond swiftly to any developments that could impact regional aviation routes.
