Gilgit, Skardu flights cancelled as Pakistan steps up air monitoring

Air traffic control monitoring all flight movements, including foreign airlines transiting through Pakistani airspace.

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Pakistan has intensified monitoring of its airspace amid heightened security concerns over potential Indian aggression, aviation sources said on Wednesday.

Air traffic control authorities have issued new directives to monitor all flight movements, including foreign airlines transiting through Pakistani airspace, Express News reported.

Sources said particular attention is being paid to flights arriving from India or operated by Indian carriers.

The monitoring of suspicious aircraft has been enhanced, and clearance for any such flights will now require high-level approval.

For security reasons, all commercial flights scheduled to operate to and from Gilgit and Skardu on Wednesday have been cancelled.

Officials said the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring national airspace security during a period of elevated regional tension.

Moroever, in the wake of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following the recent incident in Pahalgam, authorities in Pakistan have placed all airports across the country under high alert, significantly ramping up security and surveillance protocols.

According to aviation sources, strict monitoring has begun of all foreign airlines operating flights that either transit through or originate from Indian airspace. While Indian airlines remain banned from operating in Pakistan, flights from other international carriers continue under increased scrutiny.

Special instructions have been issued to air traffic controllers at all major airports, including Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Controllers have been directed to demand air defence clearance numbers from pilots of any suspicious aircraft prior to departure. No aircraft will be cleared without proper documentation and identification.

In addition, all airport personnel — including officers and employees from various departments — have been ordered to carry valid departmental ID cards at all times.

Individuals without identification are being barred from airport premises as part of the heightened vigilance.

Coordination among security agencies such as the Airport Security Force (ASF), police, and other law enforcement bodies has also been strengthened to ensure a seamless response to any potential emergency.