Tensions Rise as Pakistan Shuts Airspace to Indian Flights Following Pahalgam Attack
Amid escalating tensions following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian-owned and operated airlines, creating significant disruptions to international flight routes, according to aviation sources cited by Geo News.
The closure, implemented at 6 p.m. on April 24, has led to multiple Indian flights being rerouted or forced to make unscheduled refueling stops in third countries. A flight from Sharjah to Amritsar was redirected before reaching Pakistani airspace near Turbat. Meanwhile, another aircraft en route from the Gulf of Oman had to land in Ahmedabad for additional fuel.
Other impacted flights include Air India Flight AI 190 from Toronto, which landed in Copenhagen, and another flight from Paris to Delhi, which had to refuel in Abu Dhabi. Similarly, AI 162 from London made a refueling stop in the UAE.
The closure has led to increased operational expenses for Indian carriers and added logistical complications. Aviation analysts estimate that Indian airlines could face losses up to $500 million if the airspace restriction remains for a month.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the decision, saying it was in response to India’s recent actions, including efforts to redirect river water that Pakistan claims by treaty.
The airspace closure was made official following a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting in Islamabad. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) immediately issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), stating that from April 24 to May 23, 2025, Indian-registered, owned, operated, or leased aircraft—including military flights—are prohibited from entering Pakistani airspace.
On average, 200 to 300 Indian flights transit through Pakistani skies daily. The ban affects major Indian carriers such as Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, all of which operate dozens of international flights passing through Pakistan.
Senior aviation analyst Tahir Imran Mian noted that approximately 50 Indian flights were in or approaching Pakistani airspace when the ban took effect.
The travel time for these rerouted flights could increase by up to two hours, driving up fuel usage and escalating airline costs significantly.
This diplomatic fallout follows a violent incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists were killed and several others injured in an attack in the Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam. Indian authorities claim the attackers had cross-border ties, though Pakistan has dismissed the allegations as baseless and lacking evidence.
The event has plunged bilateral relations between India and Pakistan to new lows. In response to the attack and subsequent accusations, both nations have shut their only open land border and suspended regional travel visas.
Additionally, each country has expelled the other’s top defense officials stationed in their embassies, and diplomatic staff numbers have been significantly reduced.
India also announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a longstanding agreement governing the distribution of river water between the two nations. Pakistan has warned that any attempt to alter water flow would be regarded as an act of war, prompting a strong response.
All bilateral agreements have been frozen, trade between the two countries has ceased, and airspace restrictions remain in effect until further notice.
