Lahore/New Delhi (Web Desk): Many airports in Pakistan and India have suspended flight operations owing to the escalating tensions between the two countries.
According to reports, flight operations have been suspended at the Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and New Islamabad International Airport.
All incoming and outgoing local and international flights have been suspended until further orders.
According to media reports, a passenger airplane was also stopped from taking off from Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar on the orders of Civil Aviation Authority.
An incoming flight from Guangzhou in China has also been sent back.
On Wednesday, Pakistan Air Force shot down Indian two aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace and arrested one pilot.
“In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet. “One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area,” he added.
Meanwhile, Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that a MiG 21 was shot down and its pilot is missing.
“We unfortunately lost one MiG-21 in this engagement and an Indian pilot is missing in action. Pakistan claims the pilot is in their custody, however we are ascertaining the facts,” said Indian MEA spokesperson while addressing a press conference.
Earlier, Indian media confirmed that an Indian Air Force (IAF) wing commander is in Pakistan's custody.
India media reports stated IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan took off in a MiG 21 Bison jet and is yet to return. Wing Commander Abhinandan is the son of a retired Indian Air Marshal, the reports added.