Flights cancelled after closure of airspace over northern areas

E-Paper | May 22, 2026

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled multiple flights after the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) announcement of closing airspace over the country’s northern areas on Wednesday.

No reason has been given for the closure of airspace.

A PIA statement listed the flights cancelled:

Islamabad-Skardu (PK 451)

Skardu-Islamabad (PK 452)

Islamabad-Gilgit (PK 605)

Gilgit-Islamabad (PK 606)

Gilgit-Islamabad (PK 608)

Islamabad-Gilgit (PK 609)

Gilgit-Islamabad (610)

Islamabad-Chitral-Peshawar (PK 660)

Peshawar- Chitral-Islamabad (PK 661)

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2016

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BIJU VARGHEESE

Sep 21, 2016 04:11pm

What is the reason?

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Sohail Khan Gem

Sep 21, 2016 04:22pm

It's a secret. We'll not tell anyone. ;-)

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Sohail Khan Gem

Sep 21, 2016 04:21pm

@BIJU VARGHEESE just wait and watch dude. ;-)

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Taimoor khan

Sep 21, 2016 05:10pm

I think PAF excersise going on. Perhaps mock excersise for punitive actions across the border.

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Iftikhar Husain

Sep 21, 2016 05:23pm

Is it the bad weather or some thing else why is so much secret.

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Abdul Rehman

Sep 21, 2016 05:28pm

Reports from yesterday state that PAK F16s are parked in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports on stand by mode.

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lafanga

Sep 21, 2016 05:55pm

With all the jingoistic stuff coming out from Delhi, Pakistan has to prepare for all eventualities of any attack. I hope India doesn't go that far and cooler heads will prevail at the end or this could spiral out of control very quickly.

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Azhar Hussain

Sep 21, 2016 05:56pm

To take care of any incursions, just like we did the last time shot it down once it crossed the border.

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naji

Sep 21, 2016 06:05pm

Definitely due to terror threat.

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Arbaz

Sep 21, 2016 06:24pm

@Taimoor khan you should listen to what your PM going to say tonight. All doubts will be Cristal clear.

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future

Sep 21, 2016 07:09pm

Our PM s is speechless when it come to India?

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Popatlal

Sep 21, 2016 07:19pm

Flights in India going smoothly. No inconvenience to passengers or loss to economy.

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Gulraiz Khan

Sep 21, 2016 07:58pm

@future when u have invested interests than you dunt speak against them but for them.

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xyz

Sep 21, 2016 08:06pm

Terrorist misadventures is causing huge economic loss and constant fear of war to the public of Pakistan

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The Ravian

Sep 21, 2016 08:32pm

To counter any possible aggression by India is what PAF preparing for.

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Shahryar Shirazi

Sep 21, 2016 08:38pm

@Taimoor khan No, PAF mocks these drills 24x7 and is always in an operational state of readiness due to a 7x bigger adversary on the Eastern border. Its just a gesture of readiness I guess.

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Sep 21, 2016 09:26pm

Quite obvious - they are trying to block PTI supporters from travelling to northern areas.

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Zak

Sep 21, 2016 09:43pm

@lafanga Yes, wait for it

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Shaan

Sep 22, 2016 06:10am

@Azhar Hussain when you guys will realize what has happened?

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