In a dramatic response to rising cross-border tensions, India carried out military airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These targeted strikes, part of Operation Sindoor, were conducted after Indian intelligence revealed that several terrorist groups were planning cross-border attacks on Indian soil. The Indian Air Force used precision-guided missiles to hit nine high-value terrorist facilities operating in PoK. As a direct result of the strikes, over 200 flights were cancelled, and 18 airports across Pakistan were temporarily shut down, causing major disruptions in both domestic and international air travel.
The airspace closure was ordered by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) soon after the strikes. The shut airports included major hubs like Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, Quetta, and others near the Line of Control (LoC). This unprecedented move grounded flights and left thousands of passengers stranded, affecting not just Pakistani travelers, but also international routes connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Several airlines, including Emirates, Air India, Qatar Airways, and British Airways, had to cancel or divert flights to avoid the closed airspace. Passengers expressed frustration over delays, rerouting, and lack of clarity, especially those traveling for emergencies or business purposes.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that Indian airspace remained open, though some international flights might face rerouting due to security precautions. Airlines urged passengers to check flight status before reaching airports. Travel websites like FlightRadar24 showed significant rerouting of international flights to avoid Pakistani skies, leading to longer routes, delays, and higher fuel costs. In social media posts, many passengers shared their experiences using hashtags like #FlightsCancelled and #PakistanAirspaceClosed, demanding refunds and clearer communication from airlines.
Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace was seen as a precautionary military measure, reflecting the shock and confusion caused by the sudden Indian strikes. According to retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra, such closures are a standard tactic during potential air threats. The Pakistani government, caught off guard, aimed to prevent further strikes and maintain military readiness. Defense analysts suggested that the airspace shutdown was not only a security response but also a sign of Pakistan’s internal vulnerability to India’s surgical capabilities.
The economic cost of the closure is already mounting. Aviation analysts estimate that Pakistan is losing millions of dollars daily in overflight fees, airport operations, and tourism-related revenues. The effects extend beyond economics. Families have been separated, business trips halted, and thousands of passengers inconvenienced. Meanwhile, airline companies face growing pressure to manage these unexpected disruptions while balancing security, logistics, and customer service.
India has maintained that the airstrikes were necessary, not only to neutralize active terror threats but also to deliver a strong message to terror groups and their backers. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the operation was based on credible intelligence, and care was taken to avoid civilian casualties. The nine targets included key facilities run by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen, known for orchestrating past attacks on Indian forces and civilians.
Globally, the reactions to the strike and its consequences have been mixed. Countries like France, Japan, and Israel supported India’s right to self-defense. Others expressed concern over escalating tensions and called for diplomatic dialogue. However, the disruption to global aviation has put more pressure on governments and international bodies to resolve the issue swiftly.
This incident is not the first of its kind. In 2019, after India’s Balakot airstrikes, Pakistan had closed its airspace for almost five months, causing long-term disruptions to air travel across the region. Today’s situation, however, is evolving faster and under intense global scrutiny thanks to real-time data from flight tracking systems and social media awareness.
While India has clarified that it does not seek escalation, it has also warned that any threat to its sovereignty will be dealt with strongly. Military analysts believe that the strikes were part of a broader counter-terror strategy focused on dismantling infrastructure without entering prolonged conflict. Pakistan, on the other hand, faces both diplomatic pressure and domestic criticism for failing to protect key assets from Indian retaliation.
As of now, the airspace closure continues, and flight operations remain partially suspended or rerouted. If the situation does not de-escalate soon, the global aviation sector may face long-term disruptions. Routes between Europe and Southeast Asia, particularly, may continue to experience delays and increased costs. Travelers are advised to stay updated and consider alternate plans if flying through the region in the coming days.The cancellation of over 200 flights and the shutdown of 18 airports underscore how military actions can impact civilian life, travel, and international relations. While India sees the operation as a necessary step to secure its borders and dismantle terror bases, the fallout is being felt by travelers and airlines around the world. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy will prevail or if tensions will continue to impact the skies over South Asia.
