KARACHI: Pakistan’s airspace will be temporarily closed for three hours each day on October 28 and 29, according to a notice issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been released, informing airlines and aviation companies of the disruption.
The closure will occur daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, suspending all flights during that window. Sources indicate that the decision was prompted by anticipated Indian military drills near the Pakistani border, which may require temporary airspace restrictions.
Indian media reports suggest that India will conduct the large-scale “Trishul 2025” tri-service combat exercise along its western border, from October 30 to November 10. This military exercise is expected to include significant airspace closures in the Gujarat and Rajasthan regions. The timing and scale of these drills have heightened tensions between the two countries.
In recent developments, Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, reaffirmed the readiness of the Pakistan Navy to protect the nation’s maritime borders. This statement follows the rising tensions between Pakistan and India, which escalated after a terrorist attack in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. India blamed Pakistan for the attack without providing evidence, prompting a diplomatic rift.
The situation worsened when India launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani territory, leading to three days of conflict. Pakistan responded with a successful military operation, “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” which saw the downing of seven Indian Air Force jets, including the advanced Rafale fighters. The fighting ultimately ended on May 10, 2025.
In the meantime, airspace closures in Pakistan will be closely monitored, as flights resume operations after the morning hours.