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Regional Tensions Persist: Key Karachi Air Routes Remain Closed to Indian Carriers
In a move that continues to reshape regional aviation, Pakistan has officially extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft for another month. The ban, which has now reached its one-year milestone, forces Indian airlines to take significantly longer routes over the Arabian Sea to reach destinations in the Gulf, Europe, and North America. While Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport remains fully open for other international and domestic traffic, the continued closure to Indian operators highlights the deep diplomatic freeze following last year’s security escalations. Travelers are advised to expect sustained higher airfares and longer flight times on affected international corridors.Originally set to expire on April 24, the new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) keeps the restriction active through late May 2026
ND
by News Desk
2026-04-27
Regional Tensions Persist: Key Karachi Air Routes Remain Closed to Indian Carriers

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a formal aviation alert (NOTAM) regarding the temporary closure of several high-traffic air corridors within the Karachi Flight Information Region (FIR).

Here is the situation summarized in my own words:

The Schedule and Scope

The restrictions are precisely timed for Tuesday, April 28, and Wednesday, April 29. During these days, the affected airspace will be completely off-limits from 07:00 AM to 10:30 AM. These are "vertical" closures, meaning the restriction extends from the ground all the way to the highest flight altitudes, effectively creating a "no-fly" block for those three and a half hours.

Which Routes are Blocked?

The closure impacts several vital domestic and international transition points:

  • The Karachi–Nawabshah Sector: A primary internal route for flights heading north.

  • International Waypoints: Key aviation corridors, including Milom, Tapdo, Bewin, and Banor, are suspended.

  • Regional Transitions: Airspace sectors between Dosti and Karachi, as well as routes fanning out from Ormio and the Pexor-to-Banor path, are currently unavailable.

The "Workaround" for Airlines

To keep the skies moving, the PAA has designated specific "detour" routes:

  • Alternative Corridors: Traffic is being rerouted through Dodu, Nawabshah (via alternate paths), PG to IDIBA, and Telem.

  • Airlines & Passengers: Pilots have been told to double-check their fuel and navigation plans due to these longer paths. For passengers, this may result in slight delays or rescheduled morning departures, so checking in with your airline is highly recommended.
Tagged:

#KarachiAirspace #PAA #AviationNews #PakistanIndia #FlightAlert #KarachiAirport #NOTAM #TravelUpdate #BreakingNewsPakistan #AirspaceClosure #RegionalSecurity
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