Pakistan shuts airspace for all flights amid clashes with India
Foreign nationals at Karachi airport shifted to hotels after suspension of flight operations, say sources
May 10, 2025
Pakistan has closed its airspace for all types of flights from 3.15am to 12pm on May 10 after India launched another wave of missiles targeting three air bases — including Nur Khan in Rawalpindi.
Flight operations in the two countries have been facing intermittent interruptions after last month’s Pahalgam attack triggered tensions between the nuclear-armed countries.
Foreign nationals at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi were shifted to hotels after the suspension of flight operations, sources said late Friday.
Sources added that remaining passengers at the terminal were advised to return home.
Travellers have been instructed to confirm the status of their flights with respective airlines before coming to the airport.
Soon after India’s latest attack on Pakistani airbases, Islamabad launched the operation named ‘Bunyan-un-Marsoos’ against India and targeted several strategic installations, security sources said.
At least 10 sites in India were targeted, including the key Pathankot air base, Udhampur air base, Gujarat air base. Rajhastan air base and Brahmos storage sites in Beas and Nagrota, security sources added.
The operation was launched in retaliation for Indian missile strikes that hit several locations inside the country.
Earlier late Friday, India had fired missiles at three air bases inside Pakistan, however, all assets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) remained safe, a military spokesperson said.
Director General Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry at a press conference confirmed that India fired the air-to-ground missiles at the Nur Khan base (Rawalpindi), Murid base (Chakwal) and Shorkot air base.
“By the grace of Allah Almighty, all PAF assets are safe,” he said.
He warned India of a befitting response, saying “Now just wait for our response”.
The DG ISPR said India also fired missiles and drones in Afghanistan.
He said India, with its arrogance, was pushing the region into destabilisation. “We will not get impressed by this, and will fight with full force,” he added.
