Pakistan suspends flight operations over Lahore amid security alert

Pakistan has temporarily closed segments of three major international flight routes — J139, J165, and J186 — within the Lahore Flight Information Region (FIR), citing “operational reasons,” according to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued on May 7.

The affected segment runs between waypoints NONIB and RN, with restrictions spanning from ground level to unlimited altitude, effectively blocking all commercial and military traffic through this corridor.

While no official explanation has been offered, the closure follows heightened regional tensions and recent cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan. The move comes just hours after Pakistani authorities restored partial flight operations at major airports including Lahore and Karachi, following Indian airstrikes on Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

The NOTAM also includes a note for Islamabad International Airport: arrivals and departures are allowed, but only with prior coordination with air traffic control.

The airspace restriction is set to remain in effect until May 8 at 19:20 UTC, but may be extended if tensions persist.