India closes airspace to Pakistani airlines amid escalating tensions

India closes airspace to Pakistani airlines amid escalating tensions

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), barring all Pakistani-registered, operated or leased aircraft including commercial and military from entering its airspace between April 30 and May 23, 2025. The decision follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and is seen as a direct retaliatory measure by New Delhi.

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This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic strain between the two nations. Pakistani airlines, particularly Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), will be most affected, as they will now need to take longer alternative routes via China or Sri Lanka to reach Southeast Asian and Far Eastern destinations.

The rerouting is expected to severely impact PIA’s operations. Aviation experts suggest that flight durations will increase by one or two hours, depending on the route. This will lead to higher fuel consumption, increases crew duty hours and possible adjustments in flight schedules or service frequencies. Already under financial stress, PIA’s relatively small fleet of 32 aircraft is ill-equipped to absorb such operational setbacks. In contrast, India’s aviation sector is far more robust with IndiGo and Air India operating significantly larger fleets.

India’s airspace closure follows other punitive steps, such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and scaling down diplomatic ties. Pakistan had already started avoiding Indian airspace due to retaliation fears, but the formal NOTAM now makes it compulsory.