KARACHI, Dec 2: The airspace over Multan region remained shut for more than two hours on Friday evening, affecting at least two PIA flights, according to sources.

The officials of Civil Aviation Authority, however, insisted that the flights were diverted but that airspace was not closed.

The sources said a PIA flight, PK682, left Lahore for Multan at around 5pm and after it had covered about half the distance the pilot was asked by air traffic controllers to turn back because the airspace over Multan was closed.

The aircraft returned to Lahore, only to return after the airspace had been reopened.

Another PIA flight, PK652 that had to fly over Multan on way from Hyderabad to Lahore was also affected. Responding to queries, CAA chief Air Marshall (retd) Khalid Chaudhry said the Multan airspace had never been shut. However, a few aircraft passing through the region were asked to divert.

Asked why the aircraft had to be diverted, he said the air force could be conducting exercises.—Staff Reporter