In a significant retaliatory move, India has closed its airspace to aircraft registered or operated by Pakistani airlines, including military aircraft, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The decision reflects escalating tensions between the two neighbours and follows Pakistan’s recent closure of its airspace to Indian carriers.
A senior Indian government official confirmed that the ban will apply to all aircraft owned, leased, or operated by Pakistani entities. This includes both commercial and military aviation. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday evening, stating the restrictions will take effect from 12:00 AM Thursday and remain in place until May 23.
The NOTAM, a standard aviation protocol, alerts flight operators to important information impacting flight routes and safety. While there are no direct flights between India and Pakistan, Pakistani carriers often use Indian airspace to access destinations in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia.
A senior air traffic controller noted that although the number of Pakistani flights using Indian airspace is limited, the restriction will still impact some international routes operated by Pakistan International Airlines and other operators.
This airspace closure is one of several measures India has implemented in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In addition to halting flights, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Attari border crossing, and downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
Pakistan responded to India’s actions by banning Indian flights from its airspace, halting bilateral trade—including indirect trade through third countries—and rejecting India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any disruption in water flow would be treated as an “act of war.”
Tensions between the two countries remain high as both sides take diplomatic, military, and economic steps in response to the latest outbreak of violence.
