Pakistan announced plans to extend its airspace closure for Indian commercial and military aircraft for another month, effective beyond the May 23 deadline.
The decision, prompted by ongoing tensions following an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists, will be formalised via a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), per International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules limiting closures to one-month increments.
India accused Pakistan-based groups of being responsible for the Pahalgam attack without providing evidence. On April 23, India closed its airspace to Pakistan and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, actions that Pakistan labelled an “act of war,” according to Al Jazeera.
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On April 24, Pakistan responded by closing its airspace, which affected 200 to 300 daily Indian flights to Europe, the Middle East, and North America, according to Reuters. For instance, Air India’s Toronto to Delhi route had to make costly detours, landing in Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi for refuelling. In contrast, Pakistan’s only affected eastbound flight was rerouted via China, thereby minimising the impact.
The closure, which will cost Indian airlines millions in fuel and transit expenses, mirrors past disruptions during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Pulwama attack. Pakistan’s broader measures include suspending trade, closing the Wagah border, and halting visa schemes.
