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Fact Check: No-fly zone was not imposed over Lahore, Islamabad airspace
An Indian media outlet claimed that Pakistan has declared a no-fly zone over the airspace on Islamabad and Lahore from April 30 to May 2 due to security concerns.
The report by the India-based media outlet India TV published on April 29, was headlined, “Pakistan declared no fly zone declared in Islamabad, Lahore until May 2.”
The news slug follows, “Panic grips Islamabad as Pakistan’s information minister, Ataullah Tarar, claimed that India is planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours.”
It adds, “The note to airmen (NOTAM) notice has been imposed on Islamabad and Lahore until May 2, implying that no aircraft will be allowed to operate in the designated area.”
The news report can be viewed here.
This is FALSE. There aviation authorities had not declared a No-Fly Zone over the region surrounding Lahore and Islamabad till May 2.
On April 30, Pakistan media outlets had reported the partial closure of airspace in Gilgit Baltistan region due to increased air monitoring and security reasons
The national airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), had canceled six round-trip flights between Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu.
The cancelled flights include PK-601, PK-603, and PK-605 from Islamabad to Gilgit, as well as PK-451 from Islamabad to Skardu. Additionally, flights PK-602 and PK-604 from Gilgit to Islamabad were also cancelled.
This news report was found on the ARY News website.
On May 1, Pakistan media had reported aviation authorities have announced the temporary closure of specific sections of airspace within the Karachi and Lahore or a period of one month.
Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a fresh NOTAM (notice to airmen) for the closure of designated portions of the airspace in both cities.
According to a NOTAM, specific portions of the airspace in the cities will remain closed from May 1 to May 31, 2025, between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM daily.
It added that commercial flight operations will continue via alternative routes, and air traffic controllers will guide aircraft accordingly to ensure smooth operations.
The aviation authorities emphasized that flight schedules will remain largely unaffected, and flights are expected to operate as per routine despite the partial restrictions.
This news report can be viewed here.
Fact Check Pakistan concluded that the news report is misleading and false as there a no-fly zone was not imposed the airspace in Lahore and Islamabad from April 30 to May 2.
