India and Pakistan Extend Airspace Restrictions on Each Other’s Airlines
India and Pakistan have extended their mutual restrictions on the use of each other’s airspace by commercial and military aircraft, according to statements issued by both countries’ aviation authorities. The latest measures, effective until June 23, follow ongoing tensions between the two nations, which have been exacerbated by recent security incidents.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that prohibits any aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines or operators, from entering Indian airspace. This restriction applies to all Pakistani civilian and military aircraft, according to the NOTAM.
Similarly, Pakistan’s Airports Authority has imposed a ban on Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines from using Pakistani airspace, effective until 4:59 a.m. local time on June 24. The ban includes all aircraft registered, operated, owned, or leased by India, including Indian military aircraft. The Pakistan Airports Authority stated that no flights operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to enter or transit through Pakistani airspace.
The restrictions are extensions of previous measures that were first imposed in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people. The initial ban on Pakistani airspace for Indian flights was in place until May 23, as per International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules that limit airspace restrictions to a maximum of one month at a time.
India and Pakistan have maintained the restrictions despite the fact that the airspace closures have been in place for over a month. The recent extension has been made in the wake of continued security concerns and the need to maintain a state of preparedness on both sides.
The latest developments come after the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PAA) rejected a request by an IndiGo pilot to use Pakistani airspace to avoid turbulence that affected the aircraft during a flight from the national capital to Srinagar on Wednesday. The DGCA stated that there were no injuries to passengers, and that the aircraft’s “nose radome” was damaged.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining safe and stable air travel between the two nations. The airspace restrictions are a significant factor in the broader context of the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, which has been marked by periodic clashes and security incidents in the region.
As the restrictions remain in place, both countries will continue to monitor the situation and take further actions as needed. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and cooperation in the aviation sector, despite the challenges posed by the current geopolitical environment.