ZCZC
BFF-27
PAKISTAN-INDIA-UNREST-AIRSPACE-AVIATION
Pakistan airspace fully reopened, says aviation authority
ISLAMABAD, March 4, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Pakistan fully reopened its airspace
on Monday, authorities said, days after it closed its skies to all air
travel, leaving thousands stranded worldwide as tensions with nuclear arch-
rival India soared.
The decision to close the airspace came last Wednesday after a rare aerial
dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir
ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge
restraint.
Both sides claimed to have shot each other’s warplanes down, and one
Indian pilot was captured. He was returned to India Friday, crossing the
Wagah border on foot.
“All airports across Pakistan are operational and airspace reopened,” a
spokeswoman for the Civil Aviation Authority told AFP Monday, adding the
process had been completed by 1:00 pm (0800 GMT).
The closure disrupted major routes between Europe and South Asia, with
mounting frustration from passengers stranded at international airports.
It also delayed attempts to search for a British and an Italian climber
who went missing on Nanga Parbat, Pakistan’s “killer mountain” and the ninth
highest peak in the world, as rescue teams were forced to wait for permission
to send up a helicopter.
The climbers, Daniele Nardi and Tom Ballard, were last heard from on
February 24. Fresh rescue attempts had to be called off over the weekend due
to bad weather amid growing fears for their survival.
Pakistan began reopening its airspace “gradually” from Friday, with
flights allowed in and out of major cities.
But the backlog means major delays are still expected and authorities have
urged passengers to check for more information with their airlines.
BSS/AFP/RY/1525 hrs