India Extends Airspace Closure For Pak Airlines Till June 23
New Delhi: The Indian government has extended the closure of its airspace for flights operated by Pakistan Airlines by another month, with the ban now set to expire on June 23, 2025. This extension comes as part of a broader set of measures taken by the government in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
The original ban, which was imposed on April 30, was initially scheduled to end on May 23. However, the government has now decided to extend it for an additional month, with the new deadline being June 23. This decision was made in consultation with security agencies, according to the latest available information.
As per the latest NOTAM issued by the Indian authorities, the airspace closure will apply to all aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistan Airlines and its operators. This includes Pakistan’s military aircraft as well.
India’s decision to extend the airspace closure has been met with a similar response from Pakistan, which has also extended its ban on its airspace for Indian flights by a month, with the new deadline set for June 24.
The airspace closure between the two nations has been a significant point of tension in the region. The ban was initially imposed on April 24, following the Indian government’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. This move was in reaction to the Pahalgam attack, which was believed to have been linked to cross-border terrorism.
On April 23, the day after the attack, India announced a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, the closure of the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and the downgrading of diplomatic ties due to concerns about cross-border links to the massacre.
As a result of these measures, Pakistan has taken steps to limit its interactions with India, including closing its airspace to Indian airliners and suspending all trade with India, even through third countries.
The airspace closure has had a significant impact on travel and trade between the two nations. Indian airlines have been unable to operate flights to Pakistan, and Pakistani airlines have been unable to operate flights to India. This has led to a significant disruption in the movement of people and goods between the two countries.
Despite the continued tension, both nations have maintained a degree of diplomatic dialogue, with officials from both sides expressing a desire to resolve the issue through peaceful means. However, the continued airspace closure has underscored the deepening of the crisis between the two nations.
The situation highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the relationship between India and Pakistan, with the airspace closure serving as a key point of contention. The extension of the ban underscores the ongoing concerns about security and the need for continued dialogue to resolve the underlying issues.