The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has announced a temporary closure of air traffic services within the Karachi Flight Information Region (FIR) from May 3, 2025.Â
As per reports, the closure, set to begin at 05:00 hours on May 3 and end at 08:00 hours on May 4, 2025, has been attributed to “operational reasons,” though the PCAA has not provided further specifics.
Aviation experts suggest that such airspace restrictions are often related to military exercises or necessary technical maintenance, a standard procedure for managing air traffic during special operations.
The PCAA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) detailing that several key air traffic routes, including those connecting international and domestic destinations within Pakistan’s southern airspace, will be unavailable during this time. The closure will affect all altitudes from ground level up to an unlimited ceiling.
To minimize disruption, the PCAA has outlined alternative unidirectional and bidirectional routes for aircraft during the restricted hours. Airlines operating in the region are expected to adjust their flight plans accordingly, which could result in slightly longer flight durations and minor schedule changes for flights scheduled during the early morning hours of May 3 and 4.
Passengers flying through Karachi or other airports in southern Pakistan are advised to check with their airlines for any potential updates on flight schedules during these dates.
