India has formally closed its airspace to all aircraft linked to Pakistan, a week after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives.
The decision, issued as a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), prohibits entry of any aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan — including commercial and military flights — between April 30 and May 23, 2025, according to Indian media.
The move is seen as a firm response following the April 22 assault in Jammu and Kashmir, where armed militants targeted civilians in the popular tourist town of Pahalgam.
The attack has sharply escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Indian officials confirmed to media that Pakistani carriers had already begun rerouting their flights to avoid Indian airspace amid fears of Indian retaliation.
With the new directive in place, Pakistani airlines will now be compelled to adopt significantly longer flight paths via China or Sri Lanka to access key Southeast Asian destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, increasing flight time and operational costs.
This tit-for-tat measure follows Islamabad’s earlier move to shut its airspace to Indian carriers, which came in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam incident, after India announced a series of “punitive” measures including the cancellation of the Indus Waters Treaty, revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals, and closure of border crossings.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled as both nations continue to trade accusations over cross-border terrorism and airspace security.
Aviation analysts say the current restrictions could severely disrupt regional flight schedules and strain already fragile diplomatic ties.