New Delhi: In a tit-for-tat response to Pakistan’s recent airspace restrictions, India has formally barred all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including commercial and military, from entering its airspace till May 23, 2025. The directive was issued through an official Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) released by Indian aviation authorities.
The move follows Pakistan’s April 24 decision to close its skies to all Indian aircraft, including commercial airlines, charter operators, and private jets, from 6 PM IST. That ban came amid rising hostilities between the two neighbours following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region.
India’s NOTAM clearly states: “Indian airspace not available to Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Pakistani airlines. These include military flights.” This will have significant implications for Pakistan’s national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and other operators, who will now need to take longer and costlier routes via Chinese or Sri Lankan airspace for flights to Southeast Asia and beyond.
Aviation analysts estimate this restriction could increase flight times by one to two hours depending on the destination, leading to higher fuel costs, longer crew hours, and potential disruptions to PIA’s flight schedules. Given that PIA already operates under financial strain with a fleet of just 32 aircraft, the Indian ban could further pressure the airline’s viability.
Even before the formal closure, Pakistani aircraft were largely steering clear of Indian airspace amid fears of a potential Indian military response. However, the official ban now rules out any chance of overflight permissions even if diplomatic conditions were to shift in the short term.
This airspace closure comes as part of a broader diplomatic and strategic backlash by India. Measures have included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring Pakistani defence staff in India as persona non grata, sealing land border posts, and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals. In response, Islamabad has also escalated its posture by halting trade with India and threatening to suspend key bilateral agreements, including the Simla Accord. With both nations hardening their stances, the diplomatic fallout appears far from over.