CAA closes three routes for all international Karachi-bound flights

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced on Wednesday that it has closed three routes for all international Karachi-bound flights.

According to a notice to airmen (NOTAMS) published on the authority’s website, changes have been made in Karachi airspace zones and three routes of the international flights have also been closed. The CAA has proposed three alternative routes, local media reported. The notification further reads that all Karachi-bound flights will have to abide by the modifications from August 28 to August 31.

This decision by the CAA comes amid tensions between Pakistan and India following abrogation of Article 370 from India's constitution which granted special status to Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK).

In a tweet on Tuesday, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was considering complete closure of airspace to India and a complete ban on use of Pakistani land routes for Indian trade to Afghanistan.

ICJ terms India scrapping Article 370 a ‘blow to rule of law, human rights’ in IoK

In February, Pakistan fully closed its airspace following a dogfight with India after the neighbour violated the international boundary and airspace by Indian fighter jets. Many international carriers using Pakistani airspace were affected by the ban each day, costing them both time and fuel.

However, Pakistan had partially reopened its airspace but kept it closed for the Indian flights. The neighbour too had banned its airspace for flights to Pakistan. On July 16, Pakistan had reopened its airspace for all civil aviation including India with immediate effect.