ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced the temporary closure of parts of its airspace near the Indian border for two days, according to a notice issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) to all airlines and aviation operators.
The NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) states that the airspace will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on October 28 and 29, and advises airlines to exercise caution during this period.
The restriction will apply for three hours each day, impacting selected routes within the Karachi and Lahore flight regions.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the decision was taken in anticipation of possible Indian military exercises near the Pakistani border.
India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a major tri-services military exercise, named Exercise Trishul, to be conducted along its western border with Pakistan from October 30 to November 10, 2025.
According to Indian media reports and satellite imagery, airspace up to 28,000 feet has been reserved for the drills, which will involve coordinated operations by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has stated that the drill will involve the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force in coordinated offensive manoeuvres.
Regional context and Pakistan-India tensions
The announcement comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year. In April 2025, a militant attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir killed 26 people.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian allegations as baseless.
Pakistan had also repeatedly offered to conduct a neutral and independent international investigation into the incident. However, India failed to respond to Pakistan’s offer and continued with its aggressive posture.
On 7 May, India launched unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, targeting civilian infrastructure in Kashmir and Punjab. Pakistan responded with full force and caused heavy losses to the Indian military.
Pakistan also shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales. Many international experts have backed Pakistan’s claim of shooting down Indian fighter jets.
In its aftermath, Pakistan’s military announced that 40 civilians — including women and children — and 11 Pakistani servicemen were killed during a four-day confrontation.
