New Delhi: In a move targeted at India, Pakistan has barred low-level over-flying by foreign commercial airliners over almost its entire airspace. While it had barred overflying below 33,000 feet in the Karachi airspace+ on Monday, it has now prohibited airlines from flying below 29,000 feet in Lahore as well.
A notice to airmen (Notam) issued by Pakistan cited "operational reasons" for the move. Unlike the Karachi airspace restrictions that were put in place for a week, the Lahore curbs will last longer — up to October 31. The restricted airspace availability could delay flights to the west/Gulf+ which fly over Pakistan, said a senior international route planner and commander of an Indian airline.
Another commander said the reason for putting lower level airspace out of bounds must be because Pakistan military jets are doing their manoeuvres and exercises.
"These tactics are directed at India. While Karachi was very close to the Rajasthan and Gujarat border, Lahore is close to J&K and Punjab," he said. The PMO is reviewing continuation of air ties with Pakistan, including whether Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) can be allowed to fly to/over India (no Indian carrier flies to Pakistan).
01/10/16 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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A notice to airmen (Notam) issued by Pakistan cited "operational reasons" for the move. Unlike the Karachi airspace restrictions that were put in place for a week, the Lahore curbs will last longer — up to October 31. The restricted airspace availability could delay flights to the west/Gulf+ which fly over Pakistan, said a senior international route planner and commander of an Indian airline.
Another commander said the reason for putting lower level airspace out of bounds must be because Pakistan military jets are doing their manoeuvres and exercises.
"These tactics are directed at India. While Karachi was very close to the Rajasthan and Gujarat border, Lahore is close to J&K and Punjab," he said. The PMO is reviewing continuation of air ties with Pakistan, including whether Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) can be allowed to fly to/over India (no Indian carrier flies to Pakistan).
01/10/16 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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