Injured Pakistan bans low-flying flights, sets 29,000 ft limit

Pakistan has banned low-level flying over its airspace that could force rerouting of flights to the US, Europe and the Gulf. A note to airmen or a bulletin to aviators (NOTAM) issued by Pakistani aviation authorities says all flights flying over Lahore will now have to fly above 29,000 feet while crossing Lahore. According to the NOTAM, the restriction will be in place for the entire month of October. 

Reports suggest that lower level of airspace or flight levels have been reserved for Pakistani fighter aircraft. A former DGCA official, commenting on the new stricture said, “What this means is that our flights will have to opt for longer and safer routes and that can delay flights.” 

On Monday last, a similar NOTAM was issued for all civilian aircraft flying over Karachi to maintain a flight level of 33,000 feet. Both Gujarat and Rajasthan’s international borders are very close to the Karachi airport. Aircraft on this route fly over Karachi, then enter India from Ahmedabad FIR before proceeding to Nagpur and Bhubaneswar, depending on where they are headed to. 

“Flights taking other than this route, go via Iran, cross Pakistan close to Afghanistan and transit close to Multan before coming to Delhi FIR. Basically, Pakistan is avoiding Karachi for low-flying aircraft on the western front along Iran and India,” said an airline official. 

Traditionally, a NOTAM is sent to the affected aviation authorities, in order for it to alert pilots of potential hazards or delays over a specific flight route. 

Except Pakistan International Airlines that fly between India and Pakistan, no other Indian carriers operate between the two countries. But Pakistan is a popular air corridor for flights operating between the Far East and West Asia, Europe and the US. 

This is the third air restriction Pakistan has imposed in its airspace following the Uri attack. On Wednesday last, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had cancelled its flights to Gilgit and Shardul in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.