In a significant move following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, India has officially closed its airspace to all aircraft associated with Pakistan. The decision, formalized through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), bars any aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan from entering Indian airspace. This includes both commercial airlines and military flights.
The restriction comes into effect on April 30 and will remain in place until May 23.
The action follows the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where militants opened fire on a group of civilians, resulting in 26 fatalities. The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from Indian authorities, who have vowed a strong and comprehensive response to cross-border terrorism.
Even before the NOTAM was issued, several Pakistani carriers had begun avoiding Indian airspace out of concern over potential retaliatory measures. Now, with the official closure in place, these airlines will be compelled to reroute their flights through alternative corridors, including over China or Sri Lanka, significantly increasing travel time and operational costs for flights bound for destinations like Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Indian officials emphasized that the decision is a direct consequence of the deteriorating security situation and aims to send a clear message against the use of terrorism as a state policy.
This move mirrors a previous instance when Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft in response to earlier escalations in Kashmir. The tit-for-tat airspace restrictions reflect the ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, particularly in the wake of terror attacks and subsequent military and diplomatic fallout.
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