Pakistani airspace partially restored: CAA

Dunya News

The restoration has begun with with Karachi's Jinnah International Airport.

KARACHI (Dunya News) - The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Wednesday that Pakistani airspace has been partially restored, starting with Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. 

As per the notification, flight number WY-324 from Karachi to Muscat and flight EK-601 from Karachi to Dubai have been departed.

"North-East and North-Western airspace remains closed until further notice," added CAA via a tweet.

READ MORE: Pakistan Air Force downs two Indian fighter jets

Earlier, Pakistan closed its airspace, the civil aviation authority and the military said, as fears spiked of an all-out conflict with India.

The CAA tweeted that it "has officially closed its airspace until further notice", while a Pakistani military spokesman said the decision had been taken "due to the environment".

A CAA source told AFP that all airlines had been notified to "suspend their operations in Pakistan until further notice".

The decision came after Pakistan said it had shot down two Indian Air Force planes in its airspace Wednesday, taking tensions between the South Asian rivals to dangerous new levels.

Pakistan said it had captured two Indian pilots, with one in hospital.

WATCH: Video of arrested Indian Air Force pilot released

At least five Indian airports were also closed and scores of flights were being cancelled, aviation authorities there said on condition of anonymity.

The Aviation Authority of India did not immediately respond to requests for official comment.