Flight operations at key airports in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi have begun to resume following an eight-hour suspension triggered by escalating tensions between Pakistan and India.

Aviation sources report that multiple flights have taken off and landed at these major hubs. At Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, two international flights and one domestic flight operated today, signaling a gradual restoration of services. Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport saw the departure of the first flight to Karachi, PA-401, operated by a private airline.

International flights from Karachi experienced mixed schedules, with PK-607 bound for Dubai departing ahead of schedule, while TK-709 to Istanbul faced delays. Additionally, flight PK-842 from Jeddah, which had been diverted to Karachi due to the escalation, was redirected to Lahore this morning.

Despite the resumption of some services, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended its regular flight operations for 12 hours as a precautionary measure.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed that Islamabad’s airspace is open, with four private planes having landed at Islamabad International Airport. However, a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA announced the reclosure of Lahore’s airspace for various flight routes for 24 hours, while confirming the resumption of flight operations at Islamabad Airport. Incoming flights to Islamabad will be permitted after coordination with Air Traffic Control.

The temporary suspension of flights followed India’s missile strikes on Pakistani cities late Tuesday into Wednesday, which led to Pakistan’s armed forces shooting down five Indian Air Force jets, a combat drone, and destroying an Indian brigade headquarters in retaliation.