Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway shut for a week after Indian strikes; PAF Squadron Leader, four others killed

Pakistan has declared the only runway at Rahim Yar Khan Airbase out of service for one week (Representative image)

The only runway at the Rahim Yar Khan airbase in Pakistan’s Punjab province has been declared non-operational for a week, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) on Saturday evening, as reported by The Indian Express.

A Times of India report stated that a Squadron Leader and four other Pakistan Air Force (PAF) personnel were killed during a series of coordinated missile strikes by India in the early hours of May 10. The strikes reportedly targeted multiple air defense installations across Pakistan.

In a press briefing, the Indian Air Force confirmed that the Rahim Yar Khan airbase sustained damage during the operation and released satellite imagery to support their claims.

The NOTAM, issued at 4:00 pm local time (4:30 pm IST), indicates the runway will remain closed until at least 4:59 am local time (5:29 am IST) on May 18. “RWY NOT AVBL FOR FLT OPERATION WIP,” the notice stated.

While the official NOTAM cited “work in progress” as the reason for the closure without elaboration, the timing and duration of the shutdown align with reports suggesting the runway suffered a direct missile strike and is undergoing significant repairs.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the code ‘WIP’ in a NOTAM denotes “work in progress.” As per the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ‘WIP’ refers to any construction or maintenance work on airport surfaces. Given the specific mention of the runway, it suggests repair work is currently underway on the airstrip itself.

Operation Sindoor 

India targeted the Rahim Yar Khan airbase along with five other key Pakistani military sites — Rafiki, Murid, Chaklala, Sukkur, and Juniya — in precision airstrikes using air-launched weapons during a four-day military standoff. The strikes were in retaliation for what India described as “provocative” Pakistani airspace violations, which were intercepted by Indian forces.

This confrontation marked one of the most intense escalations between the nuclear-armed neighbors in recent decades. It followed the launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’ early Wednesday, when India struck nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, most of them tourists.

Also read: India Pakistan News Live: J&K sees first peaceful night since May 7 as no ceasefire violations reported across LoC

Following India’s initial strikes, Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks along the Line of Control and international border. India retaliated by targeting Pakistani military installations. The hostilities de-escalated after both countries reached a ceasefire understanding on Saturday evening.

Strategic significance of Rahim Yar Khan airbase

The Rahim Yar Khan airbase, which shares infrastructure with Sheikh Zayed International Airport, is strategically located near India’s Rajasthan border. It has a single runway—Runway 01/19—measuring 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) with a bituminous surface, as per Flightradar24 data.

The base supports both civilian and military operations, housing Pakistan Air Force assets including fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its strategic location and dual-use facilities make it a key forward operating base for rapid deployment and defense along the eastern front.