Gilgit, Skardu flights cancelled amid rising Pak-India tension

All commercial flights scheduled to operate to and from Gilgit and Skardu have been cancelled amid security concerns, as tensions between Pakistan and India remain high following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.

Pakistan has also increased monitoring of its airspace amid rising security concerns about possible aggression from India, media outlets quoted aviation sources as reporting on Wednesday.

Air traffic control authorities have issued new directives to closely monitor all flight activities, including those of foreign airlines passing through Pakistani airspace.

According to details, particular attention is being paid to flights arriving from India or operated by Indian carriers. Monitoring of suspicious aircraft has also been enhanced, and clearance for such flights will now require high-level approval.

Officials have said that the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring national airspace security during a period of elevated regional tension.

Meanwhile, special instructions reportedly have been issued to air traffic controllers at all major airports, including Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. Controllers have been directed to demand air defence clearance numbers from pilots of any suspicious aircraft prior to departure. No aircraft will be cleared without proper documentation and identification.