In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, India has issued an official NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) barring access to its airspace for all aircraft linked to Pakistan, IndiaToday reported.
The restriction applies to Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including both commercial and military flights. The ban will be in place till the early morning of May 24, as per the current NOTAM.
This development comes as Pakistani airlines had already begun rerouting flights to avoid Indian airspace, anticipating potential retaliatory measures following the attack. Pakistan’s move is slated to hit over 800 west-bound international flights a week operated by Indian airlines from Northern Indian airports.
With the Indian government's formal decision now in effect, Pakistan-based carriers will need to rely on alternative routes—likely passing through China or Sri Lanka—to reach Southeast Asian region.
The current move mirrors a previous response by Pakistan, which had earlier closed its airspace to Indian aircraft following tensions in Jammu and Kashmir. The ongoing restrictions underscore heightened regional tensions and their growing impact on civil aviation in South Asia.
After the Pahalgam tragedy, the Union government had taken several measures to increase diplomatic and strategic pressure. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing the staff at the Pakistan High Commission, and closing the Attari border checkpost.
In retaliation, Pakistan implemented its own set of actions, such as closing its airspace to Indian flights and mirroring many of the steps taken by India. It also issued threats to withdraw from the Shimla Agreement and other bilateral accords with India.
Tensions between the two nations have remained high since the attack, with Pakistan frequently violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Armed Forces have been responding firmly and appropriately to these violations.
