Pakistan Yet To Reopen Rahim Yar Khan Airbase A Month After Its Runway Was Cratered In Operation Sindoor

Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase will remain out of action as a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has extended its runway closure until 20 June 2025. 

The Pakistani airbase was hit by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor on 10 May, launched in a response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The runway was initially slated to reopen by 18 May, after a one-week closure.

Pakistan initially claimed the Rahim Yar Khan runway would be fixed in 4-5 hours, but the “Work in Progress” status nearly a month later has sparked ridicule online.

“Looks like the ‘Jairnals’ are better at parades than repairs,” mocked an X user, while another jeered, “Runway’s down, but their excuses are flying high!”

India struck at least 11 Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, which lies only a few kilometres away from the Pakistan Army headquarters and the Strategic Plans Division, which oversees the country’s nuclear arsenal.