Pakistan imposed high security and stopped flights at several major airports early Wednesday after Indian airstrikes hit targets within its borders, according to a report.
Officials confirmed that Islamabad International Airport was put on red alert, and its airspace was shut down to all commercial flights. The sudden move caused significant disruption, forcing three incoming flights to be redirected to other locations.
Among the diverted planes were a Qatar Airways flight from Doha, a Saudi Arabian Airlines jet, and one from a private airline. These flights were rerouted to Peshawar and nearby airports as a safety precaution.
The delicate measures were reportedly taken due to concerns about potential Indian military action. In Rawalpindi, residents described hearing loud noises in the sky and seeing Pakistan Air Force jets flying overhead throughout the night.
Airports in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Skardu, and Peshawar were also placed on high alert, with emergency procedures enforced nationwide across the aviation network.