Airlines urged to avoid Pakistan's airspace

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has advised commercial airlines to avoid using the country’s airspace due to heightened military tensions with India.

In a statement issued Friday, Asif warned that airlines operating in Pakistani airspace could be at risk of being struck by missiles or gunfire, potentially leading to civilian casualties.
The advisory comes as regional tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, following recent cross-border hostilities and military activity. Several international airlines have already responded by suspending flights over Pakistan.

Emirates Airlines announced it would halt flights to and from Pakistan until May 10, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, Lufthansa declared earlier this week that it is suspending operations over Pakistani airspace “until further notice.”

Aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis remain ongoing.

SR