Following a ceasefire agreement with India, Pakistan has announced the opening of its airspace for all types of air traffic. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed the development on Saturday, May 10, 2025, signaling a return to normalcy after recent tensions.
The PAA stated that all airports in the country are ready for normal flight operations and advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for the latest schedules. This decision came shortly after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan agreed to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea, effective from 5 p.m. on the same day. According to Misri, the DGMO of Pakistan contacted the DGMO of India at 3:35 p.m., leading to the mutual agreement. The DGMOs are scheduled to hold another discussion on May 12, 2025.
The ceasefire announcement was welcomed with relief across both countries. Many Pakistanis celebrated the news, expressing joy and considering it a moment of national pride. In Lahore, a young man named Mohammad Fateh said that Pakistan's forces responded strongly, leaving India with no choice but to agree to the ceasefire. Zubaida Bibi, a housewife from Islamabad, echoed the sentiment, noting that war brings only suffering and expressing her happiness that calm was returning.
The recent escalation between India and Pakistan followed a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 people. Subsequently, both sides accused each other of cross-border shelling, missile attacks, and drone incursions. Pakistan launched "Operation Bunyan Marsoos" after three of its airbases were allegedly targeted by Indian air-to-surface missiles. Pakistan's military reported striking over 25 military sites in India using medium-range Fateh missiles.
The ceasefire was reportedly mediated by the United States, with President Donald Trump acknowledging his country's role in the negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he and Vice President Vance had been in contact with senior officials from both India and Pakistan.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the ceasefire, expressing that it was better late than never. He lamented that earlier implementation could have prevented bloodshed and loss of life. The Indian government has indicated that the ceasefire was worked out directly between the two countries. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace and security in the region without compromising its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The reopening of Pakistani airspace is expected to ease travel disruptions and restore normal air traffic routes.
