Flight operations resume at major Pakistani airports

Flight operations at multiple airports, including Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi, have resumed after an eight-hour suspension prompted by escalating tensions between Pakistan and India.

Aviation officials said that multiple flights resumed from major airports. At Karachi airport, two international flights and one domestic flight operated on Wednesday, signaling the gradual restoration of services.

From Lahore, the first flight to Karachi - PA-401 operated by a private airline - departed.

Meanwhile, international flights from Karachi saw varied schedules.

PK-607 bound for Dubai departed ahead of time, while TK-709 for Istanbul was delayed.

Passengers wait outside at Jinnah International Airport after all domestic and international flights were cancelled. AFP

Additionally, Jeddah-Lahore flight PK-842, which had landed in Karachi due to escalation, was sent onward to Lahore Wednesday morning.

Despite resumption of airport operation, the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) suspended its regular flight operations for 12 hours.

On the other hand, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) officials said Islamabad's airspace is open for flights.

Furthermore, they said that Islamabad Airport's flight operation has also been restored as four private planes landed here.

Meanwhile, the PAA has issued a new Notam (Notice to Airmen), announcing the re-closure of Lahore's airspace for various flight routes.

The Notam states that the routes within Lahore's airspace will be closed for 24 hours.

The Notam also confirmed the resumption of flight operations at the Islamabad Airport. It said incoming flights will be permitted to arrive in Islamabad after coordination and assistance from the Air Traffic Control.

Pakistan had suspended flight operations at major airports following India's attack inside the country on Tuesday-Wednesday night.