Pakistan Day parade: Flights to and from Islamabad may face disruption

Civil Aviation Authority has notified that the airspace in Islamabad will remain closed partially from March 19 to March 23 in connection with Pakistan Day.

According to details, the airspace over the federal capital will remain closed from 8 am to 12 pm on March 20, 21, and 22 for Pakistan Air Force jets to practice their aerobatics over the city.

On March 23, the airspace will stay shut for the longest duration, from 8 in the morning till 4 pm.

The authority has advised the citizens to plan their travels accordingly to save themselves from unnecessary trouble.

It is worthwhile to note that the Pakistan Day parade this year will be attended by Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohammad of Malaysia.

On the other hand, an aerobatics team from China has already arrived in Pakistan which will showcase its skills in airborne manoeuvring.

Watch: Pakistan Air Force jets exhibit landing, take-off skills at motorway

On Monday, Pakistan had partially closed Motorway M1 from Peshawar to Islamabad and from Burhan to Swabi for several hours.

Similarly the Motorway M2 from Islamabad to Lahore was also closed at Sheikhupura, Kot Abdul Malik and Faizpur Interchange.

The closure of motorways was in connection with Pakistan Air Force’s ‘High Mark Exercises’ during which the combat pilots demonstrate their finesse at landing the war machines on highways.

Last month, Pakistan had completely closed its airspace for all domestic and international flights due to a threat of attack from the eastern neighbouring country of India.

The airspace was later restored in several phases.