India Shuts Its Airspace For All Pakistani Flights Including Military Aircrafts: Centre
India on Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace for all Pakistani flights, six days after a similar move made by Pakistan. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) and closed its airspace for Pakistan-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, airlines, and military flights.
“Indian airspace is not available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned, or leased by Pakistan Airlines/ operators, including military flights,” said the MoCA,
This comes six days after Pakistan shut its airspace to all Indian flights amid escalating diplomatic tensions with India. Flights from Pakistan bound for Southeast Asia and Oceania will now be required to bypass Indian airspace. This rerouting is expected to significantly increase travel time and impose a heavy financial strain on Pakistan’s already cash-strapped airlines.
The suspension of airspace between the two countries comes following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people, mainly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists on April 22. Following the terror attack, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty and revoked the SAARC Visa scheme for Pakistani nationals. It also ordered military attache in Pakistani embassy to leave, a move reciprocated by Pakistan.
Day after India’s move, Pakistan had closed its airspace for all Indian flights. While India has accused Pakistan of sponsoring the terror attack, Islamabad has denied allegation, calling for an independent third party investigation led by Russia and China.
