Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace to Indian aircraft is expected to deal a significant financial blow to Indian airlines, with losses estimated in millions of rupees per day due to longer routes and higher fuel consumption.
The Pakistan Airports Authority has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), formally announcing the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft. According to the NOTAM, the ban applies to all Indian military aircraft, including leased aircraft, and will remain in effect until midnight on May 25.
The move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, following a series of decisions made during a high-level meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC).
According to aviation sources, 70 to 80 two-way flights from India pass through Pakistani airspace daily, and the number can sometimes exceed 100. These flights operate between India and destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Major Indian carriers such as Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Indigo, and Akasa Air regularly utilize Pakistani airspace for international operations. The ban also affects special and cargo flights that rely on these shorter and more fuel-efficient routes.
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With the closure in effect, Indian airlines will be forced to take two alternate routes. One route diverts flights over the Arabian Sea from Mumbai and Delhi, while the second route extends via Muscat and Doha, eventually passing through Chinese airspace. These detours are expected to increase flight times by two to three hours on average.
The extended duration and distance will require significantly more fuel, especially for long-haul and heavy-duty aircraft, translating into additional operational costs of crores of rupees daily for Indian carriers. The most affected flights are those departing from major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Delhi, and Goa.
In a major escalation of diplomatic measures, Pakistan has decided to suspend all bilateral agreements with India following the alleged false flag operation in Pahalgam in India-held Kashmir as well as India's unilateral announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
Also Read: India will pursue Pahalgam attackers to 'ends of earth': Modi
According to an official statement, the NSC expressed deep concern over the deteriorating regional situation after the Pahalgam attack. The committee condemned the loss of innocent lives, including tourists, and accused India of exploiting the tragedy for political purposes.
Closure of Wagah Border, suspension of diplomatic ties
The committee recommended the immediate closure of the Wagah border. Although it will remain open for entry and exit until April 30, all Indian citizens, excluding Sikh pilgrims, have been ordered to leave Pakistan within 48 hours. Additionally, Pakistan has suspended visas issued to Indian nationals under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Also Read: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, expels Pakistanis, closes Attari post
Pakistan has also reduced the number of staff members at the Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to 30.
Defense, naval, and air advisors posted at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad were declared "persona non grata" and ordered to leave the country. Pakistan has also closed its airspace to all Indian aircraft and suspended all trade activities with India, including those routed through third-party countries.
