Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled six round-trip flights on April 30, 2025, between Islamabad, Gilgit, and Skardu, including PK-601, PK-603, and PK-605 from Islamabad to Gilgit, PK-451 from Islamabad to Skardu, and PK-602 and PK-604 from Gilgit to Islamabad.
The cancellations coincide with heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.
On the night of April 29–30, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reportedly forced four Indian Rafale fighter jets to retreat from airspace over Indian-administered Kashmir, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan, citing security sources. The Indian jets, patrolling within their boundaries, withdrew after PAF’s prompt response, though these claims remain unverified.
Read: Tarar Warns of India’s Potential Military Action in Next 24-36 hours
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned of intelligence suggesting India may launch military action within 24–36 hours, using “baseless” Pahalgam allegations as a pretext, vowing a “decisive” response to any aggression.
Pakistan has called for a neutral, transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident, rejecting India’s unproven claims of Pakistani involvement. Tarar emphasised Pakistan’s condemnation of terrorism and urged India to avoid a “perilous course” that risks regional stability. The flight cancellations and military alert reflect the escalating situation, impacting travel and raising concerns among citizens.
