Pakistan extends closure of Rahim Yar Khan air base struck during Operation Sindoor

Pakistan has for the third time extended the closure of the sole runway at its Rahim Yar Khan air base, suggesting the extensive damage inflicted by India during its Operation Sindoor.

The latest NOTAM (notice to airmen) issued by Pakistan said the runway would remain closed for flight operations till August 5. Without specifying any reason, the NOTAM just mentioned that the closure was due to work in progress.

The first NOTAM was issued on the day of India’s strikes on May 10. It said the runway at the strategic airbase in Punjab province would be unavailable for flight operations for a week. The second NOTAM was issued on June 4, extending the closure till July 4.

High-resolution commercial satellite images accessed by India Today showed a large and deep crater in the middle of the runway at the Rahim Yar Khan air base following the Indian strikes. A building at the air base also suffered extensive damage.

Rahim Yar Khan serves as a dual-purpose airport, and also houses the Sheikh Zayed International Airport apart from the air base.

The air base was among the 11 military sites targeted during Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead. The strikes forced Pakistan to reach out to India for a ceasefire agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned the prolonged closure of the Rahim Yar Khan air base while attacking Pakistan during a rally in Rajasthan’s Bikaner.

“Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan air base is still in ICU, not sure when it will reopen,” PM Modi said.

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