Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian planes using its airspace for another month. The prohibition was initially imposed on April 24 after the unilateral suspension of India of the Industry Water Treaty.
According to an opinion of aviators (NOTAM) published Monday by Pakistan Airports Authority, the country’s airspace will remain closed to all Indian commercial and military aircraft until July 23, 2025.
The restriction applies to all planes registered with the Indians, including those for rent, and covers passenger and military planes. “The prohibition has been extended for a month. Indian planes, including chartered and rented, are not allowed to enter the Pakistani airspace,” said NOTAM.
The ban has led to major operational and financial setbacks for Indian carriers. The initiates of aviation estimate the losses for India at more than 8.2 billion rupees due to the reaches costs, longer flight durations and suspended freight operations.
While the ban continues, industry experts warn that Indian carriers may soon be forced to reduce routes or hike, passing the burden to passengers, unless diplomatic channels find a way to clean air.
Pakistan initiated the closure of the airspace while the tensions won between Pakistan and India after an attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, India illegally occupied Jammu-et-Cachemire (Iiojk), which left 26 dead civilians.
India blamed the elements of Pakistan without presenting any evidence, and Islamabad rejected the allegations. In response, India has closed the Wagah border, revoked visas and suspended the Water Treaty of the Indus – Move Pakistan called “Act of War”.
The conflict has intensified with the missile attacks in India and drone incursions when it launched its Sindoor operation.
On May 10, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in retaliation and announced that it had shot down five Indian planes, including Rafales – and intercepted 77 Harops of Israeli manufacturing.
After a diplomatic intervention led by Washington, the two parties agreed to stop military activity through land, air and the sea.
