Pakistan Closes Airspace Amid Tensions with India

Pakistan temporarily closed its airspace for 48 hours following India's military strike on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The closure affected flights across the country, causing delays and requiring rerouting through Karachi. Normal operations gradually resumed, resuming fully after eight hours and affecting international travel.

In response to a significant military strike by India on terror targets within its territory and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Pakistan has taken the step of closing its airspace for 48 hours. The decision was made on Wednesday following the strike carried out under 'Operation Sindoor' as an answer to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Following the military strikes, Pakistani aviation officials promptly shut down airspace over key cities such as Islamabad and Lahore, deviating numerous flights to Karachi. While the airspace closure was reduced to an eight-hour disruption, Lahore's airspace observed an additional 24-hour closure, resulting in substantial airport congestion and flight delays.

With international and domestic flights mostly resuming from Jinnah International Airport, operations have returned to normalcy. A Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson confirmed that flights from West Asia and other regions are back on track according to schedule, ensuring passengers face minimal disruptions moving forward.

(With inputs from agencies.)