India has said that Pakistan is using civilian flights traversing its airspace as a shield for the drone attacks.
In a press briefing on Operation Sindoor, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said that Pakistan did not close its airspace despite the escalating conflict, allowing civilian aircraft to pass through. “Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite it launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on 7 May at 08:30 hours in the evening. Pakistan is using civil airliner as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response. This is not safe for the unsuspecting civil airliners, including the international flights which were flying near IB between India and Pakistan,” she said.
She further went on to hail the Indian side for taking adequate precautions to minimise civilian casualties on its side, and also showing restraint in its response against Pakistan.
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“As you have seen, the airspace on the Indian side is absolutely devoid of civil air traffic due to our declared closure. However, there are civil airlines flying the air route between Karachi and Lahore…Indian Air Force demonstrated considerable restraint in its response, thus ensuring the safety of international civil carriers,” she added.
The Indian government reinforced its claims with data from FlightRadar24, which was monitored during a high alert air defence situation in Punjab last night. Colonel Sofia Qureshi presented a screenshot of flight data from the time of the drone attack, showing that while India had closed its airspace for civilian traffic, flights were still operating between Karachi and Lahore.
The press briefing further highlighted Pakistan’s “irresponsible” behaviour when it came to civilian safety, even as it covertly launched Turkish-manufactured drones at Indian targets on Thursday.
#WATCH | Delhi: Wing Commander Vyomika Singh says, “…Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite it launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on 7 May at 08:30 hours in the evening. Pakistan is using civil airliner as a shield, knowing fully well that its… pic.twitter.com/VaTB61Wqr6
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025
Between 300 and 400 drones reportedly entered Indian airspace, targeting civilian infrastructure, military facilities, and places of worship in northern regions of the country.
As of Friday evening, flight-tracking websites still showed civilian aircraft over Pakistani airspace, whereas Indian skies remained clear of such activity. India’s air defence systems were able to intercept the incoming drones effectively.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Pakistan has stooped to a new low by attacking temples, gurdwaras, and convent schools.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh jointly addressed the media on Friday evening.
