Pakistan is set to extend its airspace closure for India into another month, dealing a major blow to Indian aviation and long-haul travel, reported a local media outlet.
The move comes in response to New Delhi’s unilateral airspace ban on April 23, following a controversial attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the incident — a claim Islamabad has outright rejected as “frivolous” and “devoid of rationality.”
Sources in the Aviation Division confirmed that a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will be issued before the current ban expires on May 23. Citing a lack of improvement in bilateral relations, officials stated that the decision aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules, which only allow a one-month airspace restriction at a time.
Read more: Pakistan shuts down airspace amid escalating tensions with India
The initial closure was announced by Pakistan during a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on April 24, in direct retaliation to India’s airspace blockade. The restrictions affect both commercial and military flights.
While the ban has made little difference to Pakistan — only one eastbound flight was diverted through China — India is said to be suffering most. More than 200 Indian flights that fly over Pakistani airspace every day are now forced to take circuitous routes, incurring more fuel expenses and mandatory refueling stops.
For instance, Air India’s Toronto-Delhi flight had to land in Copenhagen for refuelling, and flights from London and Paris were diverted to Abu Dhabi. A Sharjah-Amritsar flight turned back before entering Pakistan’s airspace, while others had to land in Ahmedabad for fuel top-ups.
Also read: Pakistan reopens airspace after US-brokered ceasefire with India
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the continued closure is expected to cost Indian carriers millions of dollars in losses.
Know more: Pakistan’s airspace closure costs Indian airlines millions in daily losses
This isn’t the first time airspace has become a battlefield between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan previously shut its airspace during the 1999 Kargil conflict and again in 2019 after the Pulwama attack, both of which caused greater disruption for India.
In 2019, Pakistan went a step further by barring foreign airlines heading to India from using its airspace, significantly worsening the aviation crisis.
