European airlines have been avoiding Pakistan’s airspace due to ongoing security concerns and operational challenges.
Security Concerns and Airspace Restrictions
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued advisories cautioning airlines about potential threats in Pakistan’s airspace, particularly at low altitudes over cities like Karachi and Lahore. These advisories were based on the presence of non-state actor groups with possible anti-aviation weaponry, such as man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), and the risk of misidentification during military operations in the Kashmir region. EASA recommended that flights avoid operating below 26,000 feet in these areas .
Despite these advisories, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) maintained that the country’s airspace was safe for all types of flight operations, disputing the necessity of such restrictions .
Impact on Airline Operations
The closure of Pakistan’s airspace, particularly after the February 2025 India-Pakistan clashes, has significantly affected global airline operations. OPSGroup reported that the closure impacted up to 350 flights daily, forcing airlines to reroute their paths, leading to increased flight times and fuel costs .
For instance, Air India’s long-haul flights from New Delhi to Europe and the U.S. experienced delays of up to four hours due to the need for detours over the Arabian Sea, avoiding Pakistani airspace .
Resumption of European Flights by PIA
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed direct flights to Europe in January 2025 after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency lifted a four-year ban. The ban had been imposed in 2020 due to safety concerns, including issues with pilot licensing. EASA lifted the ban after assessing improvements in PIA’s safety standards, allowing the airline to restart operations to destinations like Paris .
While certain restrictions have been lifted, European airlines continue to exercise caution when operating over Pakistan’s airspace due to lingering security concerns and operational challenges. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments influencing flight routing and scheduling decisions.
