Pakistan has temporarily suspended flight operations at key airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot, as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following India’s recent strikes on terror infrastructure.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced the suspension, stating that Lahore and Sialkot airports will remain closed for all flight operations until 12 pm on Thursday (local time). The suspension has affected both domestic and international flight schedules. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight timings and potential delays.
This decision follows India’s announcement on Wednesday that its forces conducted precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The strikes were in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people and injuries to several others.
The Indian Armed Forces detailed “Operation Sindoor” in a press briefing in Delhi on Wednesday. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh outlined the operation’s objectives, confirming that Indian forces destroyed multiple terrorist camps. Four of the nine targeted camps were located in Pakistan, and the remaining five were in PoJK.
The operation targeted key terror infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen. Colonel Qureshi identified the specific camps targeted, including those in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sarjal, and Mehmoona Joya.
“Sarjal camp, Sialkot, which lies 6 km inside Pakistan, was used to train the terrorists involved in the March 2025 killing of four Jammu and Kashmir police personnel,” Colonel Qureshi stated.
She also confirmed the destruction of Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, approximately 100 km inside Pakistan, which served as the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized the strategic intent behind “Operation Sindoor,” stating that it was a direct response to the “horrific Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, to serve justice to the innocent victims and their families.”
Singh revealed that Pakistan has maintained a complex terror infrastructure for three decades, comprising 21 recruitment, indoctrination, and launch pad centers across Pakistan and PoJK.
Colonel Qureshi stressed the operation’s precision, stating, “No military installation was targeted, and until now, there are no reports of civilian casualties in Pakistan.”
The strikes were conducted between 1:05 am and 1:30 am on Wednesday and involved a coordinated effort by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and PoJK based on credible intelligence.
FAQs on Pakistan Flight Suspensions and India-Pakistan Tensions
Why have flights been suspended in Pakistan?
Pakistan temporarily suspended flight operations at Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot airports due to escalating tensions with India following India’s strikes on terror infrastructure.
Which airports are affected?
The airports affected are Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot.
How long will the suspension last?
Initially, Lahore and Sialkot airports were to remain closed until 12 pm on Thursday (local time). Refer to your respective airlines for the latest updates.
What should passengers do?
Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight timings and potential delays.
What was India’s response?
India conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
What is “Operation Sindoor”?
“Operation Sindoor” was the Indian Armed Forces’ targeted strike mission to destroy terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK.
Which terror groups were targeted?
The operation targeted terror infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Where were the terror camps located?
Some terror camps were located in Pakistan (Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sarjal, and Mehmoona Joya), and others were in PoJK.
When did the strikes take place?
The strikes were conducted between 1:05 am and 1:30 am on Wednesday.
Has there been any civilian damage?
India stated that no military installations were targeted and there were no reports of civilian casualties in Pakistan.