Pakistan declared a high-security alert and suspended flight operations at major airports, including Islamabad, on Wednesday, following Indian airstrikes targeting its territory. The swift measures, prompted by fears of further hostilities, disrupted air travel and heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Early Wednesday, Pakistan placed Islamabad International Airport on red alert, closing its airspace to commercial traffic, as confirmed by official sources cited by Express News.
According to Geo News, three incoming flights, Qatar Airways from Doha, a Saudi Arabian Airlines service, and a private carrier, were diverted to airports in Peshawar and other cities. Airports in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Skardu, and Peshawar also activated emergency protocols. Pakistan International Airlines cancelled flights to Gilgit and Skardu due to security concerns.
PAKISTAN CLOSES AIRSPACE FOR 48 HOURS
Multiple commercial flights heading to Lahore / Islamabad / Faisalabad / Sialkot are diverting now. pic.twitter.com/0fj2lQN8FF
— Manpreet Kailon (@preetkailon) May 6, 2025In Rawalpindi, Pakistan Air Force jets patrolled continuously, with residents reporting loud noises in the skies, according to Dawn. The measures followed Indian missile strikes on Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Ahmedpur Sharqia, Bagh, and Muridke, which killed three Pakistanis and prompted Pakistan to destroy an Indian brigade headquarters and down two jets, DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated.
Context of Pakistan-India Escalating Tensions
The airstrikes are the latest escalation since the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 26, mostly tourists, which India baselessly blamed on Pakistan, per Reuters. India’s retaliatory actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing airspace, met Pakistan’s countermeasures like trade bans and airspace restrictions. The UN and global leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urged de-escalation, with Iran offering mediation, per Al Jazeera.
🚨India strikes| Pakistan closes airports
Pakistan announces closure of Lahore, Islamabad & Rawalpindi airports till 6PM Saturday: Intel sources to Rohan Dua
Pakistan says will respond to India's air strikes
Unafraid India says terror strike were a response to Pahalgam attack pic.twitter.com/RL0LWZ5wbr
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) May 6, 2025Read: Pakistan halts flights, closes airports after Indian airstrikes, high alert declared
Pakistan’s high-security alert and airport closures on May 7, 2025, following Indian airstrikes, signal a dangerous escalation in India-Pakistan tensions post-Pahalgam. The nation braces for further developments with flights rerouted and air defences active. As international mediators push for calm, the region faces a critical juncture to avert war.
