Huge Explosion Rocks Lahore Airport, Walton Airfield Hit: Pakistan Shuts Down Airspace

Blast in Lahore: Multiple powerful explosions were reported in Lahore early Thursday morning, sending shockwaves through the city as tensions continue to escalate following India’s 100% precision strikes under Operation Sindoor destroying nine key terror hubs of JeM, Lashkar, and Hizbul Mujahideen within the territories of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Lahore, Karachi, Sialkot and Islamabad Airports have temporarily shut its operations after blasts reportedly hit Lahore Airport, Walton Airfield, and Naseerabad areas. Several key air routes in Lahore and Sialkot too were temporarily closed for commercial flights, according to Pakistani media reports quoting a statement by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).

Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot airports will not be available till 12pm on Thursday, PAA added. The Pakistani airport authority has requested its passengers to remain in contact with the relevant airlines to remain updated with the latest information.

The closure of airspace has impacted multiple flights arriving and departing from major Pakistan airports. Flights inbound Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad were reportedly diverted, rerouted or sent to its origin.

Locals and the Pakistani media confirmed the news. Videos shared by the locals that are circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke engulfing the sky. As per latest reports, the bomb disposal squad vehicles have reached the spots where blasts have been reported. 

Operation Sindoor was a joint operation by Indian Army and Indian Air Force to avenge the deaths of 26 innocent Hindu tourists at the Baisaran valley of Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.

More details are awaited as the situation develops.