Pakistan: Airspace restrictions extended through May 30 /update 30

Event

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Thursday, May 16, that current Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for foreign carriers using Indian airspace will be extended until at least Thursday, May 30. Under the NOTAM, foreign carriers that use Indian airspace are not allowed to fly over Pakistan. According to a CAA spokesman, the government will reassess the restrictions on May 30. However, the CAA did not provide a reason for the most recent extension.

Consequent flight disruptions are possible through May 30. Further extensions to airspace restrictions are possible in the coming weeks, particularly if tensions escalate between Pakistan and India. 

Context

The CAA closed Pakistani airspace on 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 suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp near Balakot (Pakistan) on February 26. JeM claimed responsibility for a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack in Pulwama district (Jammu and Kashmir state) on February 14, which killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary officers. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the assailants. The Indian airstrikes initiated a series of retaliatory airstrikes and artillery fire near the Line of Control (LoC). 

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

Advice

Individuals traveling via Pakistan are advised to monitor the situation, maintain flexible itineraries, and contact their airlines for more information.