Pakistan bans Indian airlines from its airspace
April 26, 2025
Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian-registered aircraft following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people.
The closure, announced through a Notam issued by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority, took effect on 24 April 2025. The ban covers all Indian civilian and military aircraft, including planes operating under lease agreements.
The move is part of a wider escalation of tensions between the two countries. India has accused Pakistan of harbouring the group responsible for the attack, an allegation that Pakistan strongly denies.
In retaliation, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and cancelled visas for Pakistani citizens. Pakistan’s response has included not only closing its airspace but also suspending bilateral trade and expelling Indian diplomats.
Indian airlines have been heavily impacted, with several international flights forced to reroute.
Long-haul services from cities like San Francisco and Toronto have had to divert to alternative airports such as Copenhagen, while flights from Paris and London have rerouted via Abu Dhabi, causing delays of up to 10 hours and higher fuel costs.
Military tensions also remain high, with reports of small-scale exchanges of fire along the Line of Control in Kashmir, although no casualties have been reported so far.
