As tensions rise along the cross-border hostility, Pakistan has shut down its airspace to all types of traffic until noon on Sunday, May 11. This action was taken following Indian retaliatory military strikes codenamed Operation Sindoor targeting Pakistani targets over the unprovoked drone and missile strikes that began from Pakistan since May 7.
Airspace Closure Amid Increased Military Operations
The Pakistani government put out a statement affirming the closure, “Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed for all kinds of flights until Sunday 12 noon.” The blanket closure followed India’s pinpoint strikes against nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people.
As a response to the changing threat, India also cancelled civilian flight services over 25 airports in five border states — Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat — as a precautionary measure. The actions demonstrate the gravity of the situation and the requirement for airspace security in the course of ongoing military operations.
India Criticizes Pakistan’s Misuse of Civilian Airspace
Though Pakistan eventually closed its airspace, India strongly condemned Islamabad for not doing so in the first place during ongoing military operations. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh pointed out the risk, “Pakistan’s irresponsible action was witnessed when it did not close its airspace. Pakistan is employing civilian aircraft as a shield against Indian air defence systems. Civil aircraft was observed flying between Karachi and Lahore.”
India has since appealed to the global aviation community to take serious notice of what it termed as reckless behavior by Pakistan that put at risk the safety of hundreds of civilian passengers flying through a high-risk area.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Precise Retaliation
India’s military action, Operation Sindoor, began on the night of May 6-7, was precise and targeted at dismantling terror infrastructure that operates from across the border. This is one of India’s most well-coordinated anti-terror operations in the aftermath of the Pulwama-Balakot incident, a telling signal of deterrence.
As tensions persist, both countries are on high alert, with world stakeholders following developments closely in the wake of these recent escalations.
