ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan has decided to extend its airspace ban for Indian flights by another month, according to informed sources. An official announcement is expected either today or tomorrow. A new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will be issued shortly after the decision is made public
As per rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), such restrictions can only be imposed for a month at a time, which is why extensions are needed if the closure is to remain in place.
This step follows a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) held earlier this month. In that meeting, Pakistan resolved to airspace ban for India after India’s actions following the Pahalgam incident. The restriction covers both civilian and military aircraft.
Tensions between the two countries have been running high since the deadly Pahalgam incident in April, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India halted Pakistani air traffic on April 23 as a response to the incident.
The very next day, Islamabad introduced a similar ban of its own. Since that time, India has taken additional measures against Pakistan.
Even though India’s carriers are suffering a lot from the airspace ban, it has created less disruption in Pakistan’s aviation sector. Only one eastbound route has been redirected through China, and most of Pakistan’s air traffic to the Far East remains largely unaffected.
Indian airlines are reportedly struggling with mounting losses, estimated to be over Rs8 billion in just one month. Around half of the total, or about Rs5 billion, has gone towards extra fuel use, while the other half or Rs3 billion, has gone for costs linked to flight stopovers.
Air India has been badly impacted by the airspace ban for India and has requested financial support from the government. Apart from Vistara, flights operated by Akasa Air, SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India Express have also seen operational disruptions.
Flights from cities like Amritsar, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Jaipur are now being rerouted over the Arabian Sea, resulting in longer travel times for flights heading to North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Sources warn that if the ban continues and no government support is given, Indian carriers may be left with no choice but to take drastic measures to stay afloat.
