Pakistan: Authorities reopen airspace March 4 /update 7

Event

The Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced that the Pakistani airspace has fully reopened as of the evening (local time) of Monday, March 4, allowing for the resumption of flight operations at all airports across the country. Flight disruptions at Pakistani airports, including cancelations, delays, overbooking, and crowded conditions, are still expected to persist for the next several days. A reclosure of Pakistani airspace is possible should the conflict between India and Pakistan escalate.

Context

The CAA closed Pakistani airspace on Wednesday, February 27, after a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jet was shot down above Pakistan-controlled Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Tensions significantly escalated between India and Pakistan after the IAF conducted airstrikes on a a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp near Balakot (Pakistan) on February 26. JeM recently claimed responsibility for a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack in Pulwama district (Jammu and Kashmir) on February 14, killing at least 40 Indian paramilitary officers. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers. The airstrike initiated a series of retaliatory airstrikes and artillery fire near the Line of Control (LoC).

India and Pakistan both claim sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, which has been the focus of periodic violent conflict since 1947.

Advice

Individuals traveling to or from Pakistan are advised to monitor the situation, maintain flexible itineraries, and contact the airline for more information.