Pakistan on Wednesday announced a 48-hour closure of its airspace for all air traffic after India carried out military strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).
Shortly after the military strike by India, Pakistani aviation authorities closed the airspace over Islamabad and Lahore and diverted flights to Karachi. Later, the entire airspace was closed for 48 hours as a precautionary measure.
However, aviation authorities reopened the airspace after an eight-hour closure.
How were the flights affected?
International and domestic flights resumed the morning after the initial closure, with the majority of them departing from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Lahore.
However, airspace in Lahore was closed again for 24 hours after a brief resumption.
A heavy rush was witnessed at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi as delayed international and domestic flights took off or landed there.
A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said that flights from West Asian countries and other destinations were fully operational as per schedule.
Domestic flights also resumed operation until further notice.
The spokesperson noted that an Uzbekistan Airlines flight from Tashkent reached New Delhi via Lahore.
Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early Wednesday under Operation Sindoor. It was launched in retaliation for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people.
FAQs on the Pakistan Airspace Closure and Operation Sindoor
Why did Pakistan close its airspace?
Pakistan closed its airspace for 48 hours as a precautionary measure following Indian military strikes on terror targets.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a series of missile strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces on alleged terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
How long was the airspace initially closed?
The airspace was initially closed for eight hours before being reopened.
Which airports were most affected by the closure?
Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports were most affected. Flights were diverted to Karachi during the initial closure.
Are international flights operating normally now?
Yes, according to the Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson, international flights are operating as per schedule.
Are domestic flights operating?
Domestic flights have also resumed operation until further notice.
Was any flight rerouted due to the closure?
Yes, an Uzbekistan Airlines flight from Tashkent to New Delhi was rerouted via Lahore.
How many terror targets were struck in Operation Sindoor?
Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets.
What was the reason for Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in 26 deaths.
Is the airspace in Lahore fully open?
No, the airspace in Lahore was closed again for 24 hours after a brief resumption.