Blasts Rock Multiple Pakistani Air Bases, Including Strategic Site Near Islamabad; Airspace Shut Amid Escalating Tensions with India

The Pakistani military has confirmed that explosions occurred at three air force installations, including the strategically significant Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, located less than 10 kilometers from the capital city, Islamabad.

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, powerful explosions were reported early Saturday at three Pakistani air force installations, including the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi just under 10 kilometers from Islamabad and adjacent to the Pakistani military headquarters. In response, Pakistan has shut down its entire airspace to civilian and commercial flights.

The Pakistani military confirmed that the blasts occurred at Nur Khan, the Murid Air Base in Chakwal, and the Rafiqui Air Base in Punjab's Jhang district. Nur Khan, formerly known as Chaklala Air Base, is among Pakistan's most critical defense facilities, housing both operational air force units and VIP transport aircraft.

Videos circulated on social and local media appear to show Nur Khan Air Base engulfed in flames following a massive explosion. While NDTV reported the footage, the authenticity of the videos has not been independently verified. Eyewitnesses described multiple loud explosions followed by intense military activity in the area.

The shutdown of Pakistani airspace, announced via a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), came just hours after India accused Pakistan of using civilian air traffic as cover during a wave of drone strikes. Indian authorities claimed that Pakistan launched coordinated drone attacks on 26 military and aviation sites stretching from Leh to Sir Creek during the night of May 8–9. The Indian military reported that all attempted strikes were intercepted successfully using systems such as the Barak-8, S-400, Akash surface-to-air missiles, and other indigenous counter-drone technologies.

At a press briefing, Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accused Pakistan of “recklessly endangering international air traffic” by keeping its airspace open during active drone and missile operations. “Pakistan is using civil airliners as a shield,” Colonel Qureshi said, calling the move a serious violation of aviation safety norms.

The Pakistani drone fleet was reportedly composed of 300 to 400 units, preliminarily identified as Turkish-origin Asisguard Songar drones.

India had initially scheduled an emergency press conference for 5:45 AM, which was later postponed to 10 AM, as it assessed the evolving situation. With both nuclear-armed nations on high alert, the developments mark one of the most serious escalations in recent years.

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Source: NDTV

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