Pakistan: Authorities reopen Lahore airspace March 3 /update 5

Event

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reopened the airspace for Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) on Sunday, March 3. Domestic and international flights resumed operations around 06:00 (local time). The announcement follows a partial reopening of airspace for Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar airports, however Multan International Airport (MUX) remains closed until at least Monday, March 4. Flight disruptions, including overbooked flights and delays, are possible for flights to and from Lahore in the coming days. A reclosure of airspace for Lahore and other airports in Pakistan is possible should 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.