Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Wednesday that the country’s airspace has been reopened and all airports are now fully operational. The statement comes amid heightened military tensions with India, which had led to temporary disruptions in flight schedules across the region.

According to a spokesperson for the CAA, Pakistan’s airspace is “available and safe” for civil aviation. The authority has also formally informed the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) about the serious risks posed to civil aviation due to India’s “irresponsible actions.”

Despite the reopening, the airspace over Lahore has once again been closed for commercial flights for the next 24 hours, as per a newly issued NOTAM (Notices to Airmen). Meanwhile, flight operations at Islamabad International Airport have resumed.

In light of the regional instability, passengers have been advised to remain in close contact with their respective airlines. Flight schedules and route decisions remain at the discretion of individual carriers, the CAA said.

Earlier in the day, a high security alert had been enforced at airports nationwide following unprovoked Indian airstrikes. As a precautionary measure, flight operations were suspended at several key airports.

International Airlines RespondThe evolving situation has prompted several Asian airlines to reroute their flights:

1. Taiwan’s EVA Air stated it is adjusting routes for its Europe-bound and inbound flights to avoid Pakistani and Indian airspace. A flight departing from Vienna was redirected back to its origin, while another from Taipei to Milan was rerouted to land in Vienna for refuelling before continuing.
2. South Korea’s Korean Air has also decided to avoid Pakistani airspace for its routes between Incheon and Dubai, according to Yonhap News Agency.
3. China Airlines of Taiwan activated emergency protocols and said it is taking all necessary safety precautions for its passengers and crew, although specific details were not disclosed.

On Wednesday, China Airlines’ non-stop flight to London was canceled, according to the Taoyuan International Airport website.

Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and resulting airspace restrictions, many Taiwanese carriers now fly over India, Pakistan, and Central Asia instead of Russia, making the current tensions particularly disruptive.