Pakistan airspace closure : India Closes Airspace to Pakistani Aircraft Until May 23, 2025

Pakistan airspace closure

New Delhi, April 30, 2025 – India has imposed a complete ban on Pakistani aircraft entering its airspace, effective immediately until May 23, 2025, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. The decision follows a series of retaliatory measures triggered by the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Pakistan’s own airspace restrictions on Indian flights.

Pakistan airspace closure : Airspace Ban Announced

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) declaring that no Pakistan-registered aircraft, including commercial, leased, operated carriers, or military flights, will be permitted to fly through Indian airspace. This move comes in response to Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian airlines last week, which disrupted over 800 weekly flights. The Indian ban is seen as a direct countermeasure, intensifying the ongoing diplomatic and economic standoff.

Impact on Pakistani Airlines

The closure will significantly affect Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other Pakistani carriers, which rely on Indian airspace for efficient routes to Southeast Asian destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Thailand. Forced to reroute over China or Sri Lanka, these airlines face increased fuel costs, longer flight times, and potential fare hikes, adding financial strain to an already struggling aviation sector.

Fallout from Pahalgam Attack

The airspace restrictions stem from the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people and was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stating that such measures will persist until Pakistan takes “credible and irrevocable” steps to curb such activities. The attack has fueled a series of retaliatory actions, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of the Attari check post.

Challenges for Indian Carriers

Indian airlines, already impacted by Pakistan’s airspace ban, are facing operational challenges. Major carriers like Air India and IndiGo have had to reroute flights over the Arabian Sea, increasing fuel costs and travel times. Some ultra-long-haul flights to North America now require technical stops in Europe for refueling, leading to potential fare increases and passenger inconvenience. The government is working with airlines to mitigate disruptions, but the situation remains fluid.

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Broader Diplomatic Tensions

The airspace closures are part of a broader escalation, with both nations reducing diplomatic presence and Pakistan suspending trade with India. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the nuclear-armed neighbors remain on high alert. The ongoing tit-for-tat measures raise concerns about further economic fallout and the potential for prolonged regional instability.

With inputs from PTI and ANI