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Pakistan has announced a temporary closure of its airspace to all types of flights on May 10. According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, the restriction will be in effect from 3:15 AM to 12:00 PM local time. No reason was officially provided for the shutdown, but the move comes amid heightened regional tensions and recent military developments. Airlines and passengers have been advised to plan accordingly.
Pakistan shut down its airspace on Saturday for all commercial and military flights, just hours after India accused it of using civilian aircraft as cover while launching a massive drone assault on Indian military and aviation infrastructure. The closure was made official through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), a formal aviation alert that is sent out to pilots and air traffic control authorities around the world.
The announcement comes in the middle of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nuclear-armed countries on high alert after a sharp rise in cross-border hostilities.
Pakistan Used Civil Flights as Shields, India Alleges
India claimed that during the wave of drone and missile activity late Thursday night, Pakistan deliberately kept its commercial air traffic running — putting innocent lives at risk.
“Pakistan is using civil airliners as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response. This is not safe for the unsuspecting civil airliners, including the international flights which were flying near the international border between India and Pakistan,” said Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army at a joint press conference.
She was joined by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who backed the statement.
Over 300 Drones Launched, India Responds with Precision
According to the Indian defence briefing, Pakistan launched an estimated 300 to 400 drones in a coordinated attack on the night of May 8-9. The drones, reportedly Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, were aimed at 26 strategic locations across India.
“The sheer scale suggests it was a deliberate military attempt to test our readiness. We responded proportionately,” said Wing Commander Singh.
India used a mix of advanced air defence technologies — including Barak-8 and S-400 missile systems, Akash surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and indigenous anti-drone tools — to shoot down the incoming drones.
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High-Value Indian Targets Were on the List
Among the 26 sites targeted were key military bases and aviation facilities, including:
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Srinagar Airport
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Awantipora Airbase
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Nagrota and Jammu
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Pathankot
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Fazilka
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Jaisalmer
In Ferozepur, one of the drones struck a civilian neighborhood, injuring three members of a local family. Thankfully, no Indian military assets were damaged in the attacks.
PM Modi Chairs Emergency Security Meeting
Following the attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a late-night high-level security meeting. Present at the meeting were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also held a separate meeting with former chiefs of the armed forces to hear their insights and advice on how to manage the growing crisis.
Amit Shah Reviews Civilian Preparedness in Border States
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assessed the readiness of civilian authorities, especially in border states. He focused on protecting airports, critical infrastructure, and other high-value targets that could be vulnerable in the event of further escalations.
Also Read: Pakistan Claims Indian Strikes Hit Nur Khan, Other Military Airbases
