ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said it would open its airspace after a two-day closure albeit with restrictions, a statement released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed on Friday.
“Flight operations to and from Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar and Karachi will resume under restricted airspace,” the CAA tweeted.
Earlier, it had announced that all international and domestic operations would remain suspended across the country after Pakistan closed its airspace for commercial use amid growing tension between Islamabad and New Delhi.
It had also advised passengers to contact their airlines for timely updates. However, the CAA added that the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will be effective until March 4.
On Wednesday, Pakistan’s military said it had shot down two Indian Air Force planes and captured an Indian pilot.
The incident follows a day after Indian jets had violated the Line of Control (LoC) which divides the disputed Kashmir region.
Tensions have remained high between Pakistan and India since February 14 when a suicide bomber killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary troopers in the Pulwama district of Indian-administered Kashmir.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Pakistan suspended the Samjhauta Express train service between the two nuclear armed neighbors, too.
“The operation of Samjhauta Express has been suspended today, in view of the prevailing tensions between Pakistan and India,” Pakistan’s Foreign Minister said in a statement.
“Samjhauta Express will resume its operations as soon as the security situation improves between India and Pakistan,” the statement read.