Pakistan has reportedly issued two new Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) withinthe Karachi Flight Information Region (FIR), for multiple Air TrafficService (ATS) routes and activating the Hyderabad Artillery Range for whatofficials have termed “operational reasons.” The move, effectiveimmediately, has drawn attention due to its timing amid heightened regionalsecurity dynamics.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the restricted airspacecovers sectors commonly used by both domestic and international flightstransiting southern Pakistan. The NOTAMs advise aircraft to avoid thedesignated areas during specific hours of the day until operationsconclude. While no official details were shared about the nature of theseactivities, such airspace closures are typically linked to missile tests,live-fire drills, or other major defense exercises.
Defense analysts note that the Hyderabad Artillery Range has historicallybeen used for large-scale testing and training operations involving bothconventional and strategic systems. The decision to issue simultaneousNOTAMs indicates a coordinated military readiness or testing operation,possibly part of routine validation exercises by Pakistan’s StrategicForces Command.
So far, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has not released anaccompanying statement, though sources suggest standard protocol drills areunderway to ensure air and ground safety.
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As the NOTAMs remain active, civilian and commercial flights are expectedto reroute temporarily—marking another reminder of Pakistan’s proactiveapproach to maintaining operational preparedness in an evolving securityenvironment.