Pakistan has extended the closure of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase once more with another Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), pushing restrictions to August 22. It is the third consecutive extension since the airbase runway was severely damaged by Indian missile strikes during Operation Sindoor in early May.
Background: Operation Sindoor’s Precision Strike
Evening of May 9, 2025, the Indian Air Force conducted a coordinated wave of attacks on at least nine Pakistani airbases, radar, and strategic military targets. The Rahim Yar Khan airbase (also an operational Sheikh Zayed International Airport) was among the worst targets, where missiles created enormous craters on the runway, out of use for both military and civilian flights.
The strike rendered part of the airstrip completely destroyed, based on satellite imagery evaluated by unbiased OSINT agencies. Despite continued repair efforts, Pakistan has failed to have the base available for use.
Repeated NOTAMs Signal Deeper Problems
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had initially issued a May 10–17 closure notice, citing the reason as “work in progress.” That date was subsequently extended to June 6, then July 4, and now to August 22.
Each extension has fueled speculation about the severity of damage and the limited repair capability of the country under war pressure. Unlike short pothole repairs or short-term resurfacing activities, the severity of structural damage to Rahim Yar Khan appears much greater, possibly entailing heavy reconstruction of the runway substructure itself.
Strategic Importance of Rahim Yar Khan
The Rahim Yar Khan air base is not just another military airbase. Strategically positioned at the frontier of Punjab and Sindh provinces, it is the pivot of Pakistan’s southern air defense system. The base has traditionally housed frontline aircraft like the F-16s and serves as the hub for immediate response sorties in case of Indian air operations.
With the runway still shut down, Pakistan’s ability to redeploy planes or defend its southern airspace has been greatly curtailed. Analysts argue that this reduces operational flexibility for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), especially when tensions are running high.
Civilian Impact: Flights Disrupted
The shutdown has also impacted civilian flights. Sheikh Zayed International Airport, utilizing the same runway, has been unable to conduct scheduled flights. Flights are being rerouted to Multan or Bahawalpur, bringing inconvenience to thousands of passengers and placing additional burden on Pakistan’s overstrained civil aviation industry.
Local media reports that citizens are irate with the authorities’ lack of transparency because no firm timeline has been given for when the runway will ultimately resume operations.
Pakistan should abstain from terrorism as state policy otherwise consequences will be suffering of general population.
Though it’s good for military brass and police politician and civil servants as no other issues are being pointed by general population except India .
agree with you