Pakistan has once again extended the closure of the sole runway at its Rahim Yar Khan airbase, which was damaged by Indian military strikes in May.
Ongoing Closure at Rahim Yar Khan Airbase
The runway at Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase will remain closed until at least August 6, according to the latest Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. This marks another extension since the initial closure on May 10, following damage sustained during Indian military operations.
The repeated extensions suggest that the repairs needed after the precision strikes are taking significantly longer than initially expected. Each NOTAM has cited “work in progress” (WIP) as the reason for the runway’s unavailability, without providing further specifics.
The May 10 Airstrikes
The airbase suffered damage on May 10 during what India termed “Operation Sindoor.” This operation involved India using air-launched precision weapons from fighter aircraft to hit multiple key Pakistani military targets.
Satellite images released by Indian armed forces after the strikes revealed a large, deep crater directly in the middle of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway. Further imagery also showed extensive damage to a building on the base premises.
The code “WIP” in the NOTAM, as defined by international civil aviation standards, confirms that active work is being performed on the airport surface, specifically the runway itself.
Strategic Importance of the Airbase
Rahim Yar Khan airbase is strategically located in the southern part of Pakistan’s Punjab province, facing India’s Rajasthan frontier. It serves a dual purpose, functioning as both a forward operational base for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Central Air Command and as the Sheikh Zayed International Airport for civilian flights.
The airbase’s sole runway, designated Runway 01/19, is 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) long and has a bituminous surface, as per available airport data.
Context of the Conflict
The strike on Rahim Yar Khan was part of a larger four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan that concluded with a ceasefire understanding on the evening of May 10. India targeted six Pakistani military sites that day, including Rafiki, Murid, Chaklala, Sukkur, and Juniya, in addition to Rahim Yar Khan.
These actions were India’s response to what it described as Pakistan’s “escalatory” and “provocative” attempts at air intrusions at multiple locations, which Indian forces successfully thwarted.
The conflict itself was a major escalation following India’s precision strikes on May 7 against nine terror infrastructure locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These initial strikes were a direct response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people, primarily tourists, were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
- The Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway has been closed since May 10.
- The closure is repeatedly extended, now until August 6, due to “work in progress” on the runway.
- Indian airstrikes on May 10 caused a large crater on the runway and damage to a building.
- The airbase serves both military and civilian purposes.
- The strikes were part of a broader conflict that stemmed from earlier terror attacks and counter-terrorism operations.
The ongoing closure highlights the significant impact of the precision strikes on Pakistan’s critical infrastructure, indicating a sustained effort required for repairs.
