ANJ, May 7 - A significant disruption in air travel occurred as numerous flights from the Middle East to Pakistan were forced to divert or turn around due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. The disruptions stemmed from a series of missile strikes launched by India, targeting locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which prompted Pakistan to close its airspace temporarily. This closure affected major flight routes, particularly those originating from cities like Doha and Dubai, destined for Islamabad and Lahore, or requiring passage through Pakistani airspace.
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The Indian military operation, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," was initiated in retaliation for a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025, which killed 26 people, mostly Indian nationals. India claimed the strikes targeted "terrorist infrastructure" across nine sites, including locations in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, such as Kotli, Ahmadpur East, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Muridke. The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized that the strikes were "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," avoiding Pakistani military facilities. However, Pakistani officials reported significant civilian casualties, with at least eight people killed, including a child, and 35 others injured. One notable strike hit a mosque in Ahmadpur East, resulting in the deaths of five civilians, including a three-year-old girl.
Pakistan’s military confirmed the strikes, reporting up to 24 impacts across six locations. In response, Pakistan deployed air force jets and launched retaliatory strikes, though specific details of their actions remain limited. The Pakistani government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the Indian strikes as an "act of war" and vowed a robust response. The closure of Pakistani airspace, announced to last 48 hours, led to widespread flight disruptions. Major airlines, including Qatar Airways, Air India, and IndiGo, suspended or diverted flights to and from Pakistan. For instance, two Air India flights en route to Amritsar were rerouted to Delhi, and Qatar Airways halted its services to Pakistan due to the airspace restrictions.
The strikes and subsequent airspace closure have heightened fears of a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, marking the most severe escalation since 2019. The international community, including the United States, has expressed concern, with President Donald Trump urging a swift resolution. The closure of Pakistani airspace not only disrupted passenger travel but also affected regional connectivity, as flights from the Middle East to South Asia often rely on Pakistani airspace. As of now, some flights are permitted to traverse southern Pakistan’s Karachi Flight Information Region, but the situation remains fluid, with airlines closely monitoring developments. This incident underscores the fragility of regional stability and the far-reaching consequences of military actions on global aviation networks.