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Pakistan closes airspace as India tensions rise: aviation authority
ISLAMABAD, Feb 27, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Pakistan closed its airspace Wednesday,
the civil aviation authority and the military said, as fears spiked of an
all-out conflict with nuclear-armed neighbour India.
The Civil Aviation Authority (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.
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.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1520 hrs