Jammu: Panic gripped parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday after authorities enforced a sudden blackout in Jammu and Samba districts, where at least two loud explosions were heard following reported drone activity along the international border.
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- Two loud blasts were reported in Rawalpindi, with one of the explosions reportedly occurring near the strategic Nur Khan Airbase in the Chaklala area, according to local Pakistani media outlets.
- The Pakistan Airports Authority has announced a temporary closure of the country’s airspace for all flights on May 10, 2025. The airspace will be shut from 3:15 AM to 12:00 PM local time.
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Authorities in Punjab’s Jalandhar district imposed a temporary blackout following reports of drone sightings in the area, triggering a swift response from security forces amid heightened border tensions.
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Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar confirmed the development, urging residents to remain calm and adhere strictly to the blackout protocol in place. “We have imposed a blackout for some time as some drones have been reportedly sighted in Jalandhar. Forces are checking. Please be calm and follow the blackout protocol,” the DC stated.
- The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across Northern and Western India for all civil flight operations.
- The list of 32 airports include Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise and Uttarlai.
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Delhi Airport travel advisory, “Delhi Airport operations are normal at present. However, due to changing airspace conditions and increased security measures as per orders from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, some flight schedules might be impacted and security checkpoint processing times could be longer.”
- Escalating the tensions even further, one Paksitani drone hit a residential area in Firozpur, Punjab, injuring three people. Three people suffered burn injuries and were immediately rushed to the hospital, SSP Ferozepur, Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said.
- Indian Air Defnce have intercepted most of the drones in the Firozpur area.
- Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visited the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar to review the ongoing coordination with district administration and security agencies in the current situation, as well as the actions being taken by the administration, keeping in mind, any possible emergencies.
- India abstained from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) vote on Pakistan’s loan programs, citing terrorism concerns.
- According to officials, India’s air defense systems were activated after Pakistani drones were detected near the Samba sector. The ensuing intercept action triggered at least two mid-air explosions, believed to be the result of neutralized aerial threats.
- Meanwhile a precautionary blackout has been enforced in the multiple areas amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
- Complete blackout has been enforced, Akhnoor and Udhampur region of Jammu and Kashmir; Ambala and Panchkula area of Haryana.
- The blackout are also enforced in Firozpur of Punjab and Jaisalmer of Rajasthan.
