Pakistani airspace to remain closed for Indian flights until June 24
Pakistan has once again extended its airspace closure for all Indian aircraft, including military flights, until June 24, continuing a long-standing restriction that has significantly impacted Indian airlines.
- Pakistan's extended airspace closure for Indian aircraft.
- Financial impact on Indian airlines from rerouting flights.
- Past instances of airspace restrictions between the two nations.
Pakistani airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft, as well as Indian airlines and operators, including military flights, according to a fresh NOTAM issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
The notification states that this restriction will now remain in effect until 4:59am on June 24.
Pakistan had issued a similar NOTAM last month, extending the restriction on its airspace for Indian aircraft until May 24.
The NOTAM had stated that Pakistan’s airspace would remain unavailable for all aircraft registered in India, as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines and operators.
The restriction had applied broadly and also included Indian military flights, reinforcing the continuation of existing aviation limitations between the two countries.
Reuters on April 25 last year reported that Indian airlines Air India and IndiGo were bracing for higher fuel costs and longer journey times as they rerouted international flights after Pakistan shut its airspace to them amid tensions over a deadly attack in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In 2019, India’s government said that the closure of Pakistan airspace for about five months caused a loss of at least $64 million to Air India, IndiGo and other airlines.
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