Pakistan reopened its airspace to all commercial and military flights on Saturday after a ceasefire agreement with India. The decision came after days of intense cross-border hostilities, triggered by Pakistan’s missile and drone strikes on Indian infrastructure. The attacks were retaliation against India’s precise strike under Operation Sindor, which aims to dismantle Pakistan’s terrorist launch pads after the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 killed 26 civilians, mainly Hindus.
An official statement from the Pakistan Airport Authority confirmed that all airports across the country resume normal operations starting from 5:00 pm IST. “Pakistan’s airspace has been fully reopened on all types of flights,” the statement said.
Before reopening, Pakistan suspended all flights and closed several airlines, including those in Lahore and Karachi, due to the increased risk of military activity. This closure has caused major disruptions to global aviation, with many international flights being redirected or cancelled.
At a brief press conference in New Delhi, Indian Foreign Minister Vikram Misri officially announced the ceasefire agreement. Misri said the Director-General of Pakistan’s Military Operations had called his peers in India at 3:35 pm. Both sides agreed to take effect from 5:00 pm on the IST to cease all military operations in the air, on land and on sea. Instructed both parties to ensure full implementation of the agreement and further talks are planned at noon on May 12.
Tensions escalated after India’s attack on Pakistan’s terrorist launch pads and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a response to the Pahalgam attack. In retaliation, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks against Indian military and civilian devices on the western border. India’s reaction is in response to Pakistan’s multi-domain offensive, which includes drones, fighters and long-range missiles.
U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration claim to be commendable for mediating the ceasefire. Trump said he has facilitated dialogue between the two countries, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeting that discussions between India and Pakistan will soon be held in neutral locations. However, Indian government sources clarified that there was no decision to meet except for the ceasefire.
Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar admitted to the ceasefire and confirmed its implementation at 4:30 pm Pakistan time. He warned that Pakistan would respond to any aggression by India, while also thanking the international community for promoting the agreement.
With airspace reopening and diplomatic channels recovering, the focus is now on whether the ceasefire will be held and whether Pakistan will abide by its peaceful remarks or resume its usual provocative pattern.
