SOURCE: AFI
In a surprising turn of events, just weeks after a high-profile social media campaign highlighting the operationalization of Saidu Sharif Airbase in Swat to bolster Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operations and mobilization, a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has revealed that the airbase’s runway will be offline for construction works through May 2025.
The NOTAM, issued under the identifier C0830/25, states that the runway (RWY-05/23) at Saidu Sharif Airbase—designated as OPSS—will not be available due to ongoing runway extension and upgradation work in progress (WIP). The closure began on April 9, 2025, and is scheduled to continue until May 23, 2025, impacting operations for over a month.
This development comes as a setback for the PAF, which had recently emphasized the strategic importance of the airbase in Swat for enhancing regional security and operational readiness. The social media campaign had garnered significant attention, showcasing the airbase’s role in supporting PAF mobilization efforts, particularly in the northern regions of Pakistan. However, the runway’s closure raises questions about the immediate operational plans for the airbase and how the PAF will adapt during this period.
The NOTAM further indicates that the runway extension and upgradation are part of a broader effort to modernize the facility, potentially enabling it to handle larger aircraft or increased operational demands in the future. While this upgrade could enhance the airbase’s long-term capabilities, the timing of the closure has sparked discussions among defense analysts about its implications for current PAF strategies in the region.
For now, aviation operations at Saidu Sharif Airbase, including those involving the PAF, will be suspended until the runway work is completed. The PAF has not yet released an official statement on how it plans to mitigate the impact of this closure, but alternative airfields in the region may see increased activity to compensate.