Closure of Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan Airbase Extended After Operation Sindoor Strike
Pakistan has extended the shutdown of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase, a key military facility that suffered significant damage from Indian missile strikes during Operation Sindoor in May. The airbase, which serves both military and civilian functions, will remain closed until at least July 4, according to recent announcements.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan issued a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) confirming the extended closure. OSINT analyst Damien Saymon shared this update on social media, highlighting that the airbase, targeted in the second phase of India's military operations, has yet to resume activities weeks after the incident.
The airbase was struck on May 7 as part of India's retaliatory measures under Operation Sindoor, following Pakistani attacks on Indian targets. The first phase of the operation focused on dismantling terror launchpads and training facilities across the border.
During a public rally in Bikaner, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on the situation, saying, “Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase is still in ICU, not sure when it will reopen,” which pointed to Islamabad’s military vulnerabilities.
Rahim Yar Khan is recognized as a critical operational base for Pakistan, accommodating both military and dual-use aircraft. Its ongoing closure is perceived as a significant setback for Pakistan's aerial defense capabilities, raising concerns over the extent of the damage sustained.
Initially, on May 10, a NOTAM indicated the airbase runway would be closed from 4:00 pm that day until 4:59 am on May 18. This timeframe has been revised several times, reflecting the complex nature of the damage and the efforts required to restore the facility's operations.
According to Indian defense analysts, the missile strike disrupted more than just the runway operations; it also affected radar systems, command infrastructure, and stationed aircraft, consequently impairing Pakistan’s air combat and surveillance capabilities in the area.
The continued closure of the airbase occurs amid heightened military tensions along the Indo-Pak border, with both nations closely observing each other’s military deployments and strategic maneuvers, amid concerns over potential further escalations.
