RAWALPINDI – Pakistan has fully reopened its airspace to all commercial and military flights, signaling a step toward normalization after days of heightened tensions with India. The move follows a fragile ceasefire agreement that brought an end to a dangerous escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) confirmed Saturday evening that all airports nationwide are now operational, issuing a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen). A PAA spokesperson urged travelers to check with their airlines for updated schedules, noting that the full resumption of services may take time as aircraft and equipment return from precautionary relocations.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) also resumed operations. Flight PK750 from Paris to Islamabad, previously diverted to Quetta, was cleared to continue to its original destination by 9 p.m. Other grounded flights were scheduled to restart by 10 p.m. PIA assured passengers that efforts were underway to reach those who had returned home or checked into hotels during the disruption.
The suspension of air travel, in place since India’s missile strikes on Pakistani military targets earlier in the week, had stranded hundreds of passengers in both countries and disrupted international flight routes. In response to the hostilities, Pakistan initially closed its airspace and India shuttered 32 airports, including key hubs like Srinagar and Amritsar, until May 15.
The closures came after India targeted Pakistan Air Force bases in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and Shorkot. Though no critical assets were hit, Pakistan retaliated with airstrikes of its own, deepening fears of a broader conflict.
Major international carriers, including Air France and Lufthansa, rerouted flights to avoid Pakistani airspace during the standoff. The current reopening offers a measure of relief, but uncertainty lingers as both sides remain wary in the aftermath of one of the most serious escalations in recent years.
