Islamabad: Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) which stated that the three routes of Karachi airspace from August 28 to 31 will be closed in view of a possible missile test-firing from Sonmiani flight test range in Balochistan.
Media reports have claimed that the Islamic nation will test a ballistic missile on Thursday, a blatant escalation of an already-strained diplomatic relationship with India following a series of events through this year.
As per the NOTAM, all international flights have been asked to avoid the three aviation routes in the Karachi airspace and an alternate route has been suggested by the authority.
The decision to shut airspace comes two days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that they will go to any extent for Kashmir and Islamabad is not afraid of using its nuclear powers for Kashmir.
On July 16, Pakistan had opened its airspace for all flights after it had shut down when India exercised airstrikes in Balakot on February 26.
