Pakistan partially restores airspace after hours-long closure

Restoration begins from Jinnah International Airport of Karachi: CAA

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced partially restoring the country’s airspace after keeping it closed for several hours following Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) encounter with the Indian fighter jets along the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday.

“Pakistani airspace has partially restored, starting with Jinnah International Airport of Karachi. Following flights have departed, WY324 KHI MCT, EK601 KHI DXB,” the CAA announced in a tweet. “North East & North Western airspace remains closed until further notice,” it added.

https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/1100753863005466625

The Civil Aviation Authority had earlier declared an aerial emergency, saying Pakistani airspace is closed until further notice.

https://twitter.com/airportpakistan/status/1100668226386649089?s=12
CAA sources said that the country's airspace would remain closed till Thursday midnight.

All local and international commercial flights were suspended following escalating tension between India and Pakistan on Wednesday.

Pakistani airspace cleared of commercial air traffic after NOTAM issued by CAA. SCREENSHOT

Gulf Air and Emirates Airlines also released statements saying all flights to and from Pakistan suspended with immediate effect due to the closure of Pakistani airspace.

All local and international commercial flights had been suspended across the country.

JUST IN: Bahrain's Gulf Air says all flights to and from Pakistan suspended with immediate effect due to the closure of Pakistani airspace pic.twitter.com/hY47f81NTi

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 27, 2019

In a tweet, CAA said "flight operations in North Eastern & North Western regions of Pakistan is suspended temporarily".

https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/1100659966254276608

According to FlightRadar, "international flights that transit between Indian and Pakistani airspace now being affected. Some flights returning to origin, while others appear to be seeking alternate routing."

International flights that transit between Indian and Pakistani airspace now being affected. Some flights returning to origin, while others appear to be seeking alternate routing. https://t.co/sXbkX0qrGI pic.twitter.com/tojnJCii4w

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 27, 2019

India has also shut at least four airports in the northern part of the country, a government official told Reuters, after Pakistan Air Force struck Indian targets across the Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace on Wednesday.

Sheikh Rasheed imposes railway emergency

Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed had also declared an emergency on Pakistan Railways, saying the entire country is prepared to respond to India. He further added the next 72 hours are crucial in this situation.