Pakistan has prolonged the closure of the Rahim Yar Khan Airbase by issuing another Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). The airbase, targeted during an Indian Air Force strike in May 2025, continues to be non-operational. The current closure is projected to last until August 15, 2025, as the runway repairs are still in progress.
Reports suggest that the runway sustained considerable damage during the IAF attack, and its restoration is yet to be finalized. Pakistan’s latest NOTAM highlights that the airbase is not fully functional. The previous NOTAM related to the airbase was released on July 18.
The Rahim Yar Khan Airbase is situated near Rahim Yar Khan city in Punjab, Pakistan, making it a crucial strategic asset. The airbase features a single bituminous runway (01/19), measuring 3,000 meters or 9,843 feet, according to Flightradar24. This airfield is a key operational base for the Pakistan Air Force.
Located near the Indian border, the airbase is strategically important, serving both military and civilian aviation needs. The Sheikh Zayed International Airport also shares the location.
Operation Sindoor saw the Indian Air Force successfully target the strategic airbase on May 10, 2025. The Indian forces employed the DRDO’s Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), severely affecting the operational usability of the runway.
The recent NOTAM underscores that Pakistan is still grappling with the strategic consequences of the air strike and will require more than three months to fully restore the functionality of the critical Rahim Yar Khan Airbase.