The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (Notam) detailing a temporary suspension of flight operations at Islamabad International Airport on March 17. This new directive calls for a two-hour halt in all landing and takeoff activities between 8:30 am and 10:30 am. The announcement follows the withdrawal of a similar suspension notice that was initially scheduled for March 16, highlighting the evolving nature of operational adjustments at the airport.
the updated Notam, the suspension will affect not only Islamabad airport but also six sectors within the Lahore Flight Information Region (FIR), which will be temporarily closed to commercial flights during the same time frame. This coordinated closure is intended to manage air traffic efficiently and ensure safety amid ongoing logistical challenges. The Lahore FIR is a critical airspace sector covering a significant portion of northern Pakistan, making this suspension a notable disruption for airlines and passengers alike.
Earlier, the PAA had announced a similar two-hour suspension on March 16, advising aircraft captains to carry additional fuel reserves to accommodate possible holding patterns if flights were airborne during the restricted period. This precaution was necessary to mitigate the risk of delays and ensure aircraft safety during the temporary closure. However, that notice was retracted shortly after, only to be replaced by the new directive for March 17, indicating a shift in operational planning.
In a related development, the PAA has issued advisories to all airlines operating within Pakistan to limit their fuel loads to the minimum required levels. This measure comes as a direct consequence of jet fuel A-1 supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The regional instability has had a ripple effect on fuel availability, compelling authorities to implement stringent fuel management protocols to sustain flight operations without interruption.
The advisory also encourages airlines to maximize their fuel intake at foreign airports before entering Pakistani airspace, aiming to alleviate the pressure on domestic fuel reserves. This fuel supply-related Notam will remain in effect until March 31, reflecting the uncertain duration of the geopolitical tensions impacting the aviation sector. The PAA’s proactive steps underscore the challenges faced by Pakistan’s civil aviation amidst external factors beyond its control.
Overall, these measures by the Pakistan Airports Authority highlight the delicate balance between maintaining operational continuity and ensuring safety in the face of fuel shortages and regional instability. Passengers and airlines are advised to stay updated on further announcements as the situation develops, with contingency plans likely to remain in place until the supply chain stabilizes.
