Operation Sindoor Impact: Airspace Closure

Pakistan has declared a 48-hour shutdown of its airspace following India's military Operation Sindoor against terror locations in Pakistan and PoK. Initially, restrictions were placed above Islamabad and Lahore, diverting flights to Karachi, before a complete closure was implemented for safety.

Flight Operations Resume Amid Congestion

After eight hours, restrictions were lifted, allowing flights to resume, with significant congestion reported at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. Domestic and international services gradually returned to normal, though Lahore's airspace faced another brief closure.

Global Airlines Adjust Routes

International carriers, including KLM and Singapore Airlines, altered routes or suspended flights over Pakistan. Korean Air rerouted its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, reflecting the widespread impact of the shutdown.

Background: Operation Sindoor

The airspace closure followed India's missile strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and PoK, a response to the April 22 terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 casualties.