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Air India, IndiGo Warn of Flight Disruptions as Pakistan Shuts Airspace to Indian Airlines

International routes to US, Europe, and Middle East could face delays; airlines urge travelers to reconfirm flight schedules.

📍New Delhi | April 24, 2025:

Following Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace to Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines, major carriers Air India and IndiGo have issued advisories about flight delays and rerouting, primarily impacting international sectors.

Also Read: PSL in Jeopardy? Indian Crew in Pakistan Super League Ordered to Exit Within 48 Hours: Report

✈️ Key Airline Updates:

Air India warned of potential disruptions on routes to the US, Europe, and Middle East.
IndiGo mentioned that alternate, extended routes may be used to bypass Pakistan’s airspace.
Both airlines expressed regret over the inconvenience and advised passengers to check flight statuses before heading to airports.

Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Aftermath: Army Chief To Visit Srinagar; India Briefs G20 Envoys on Security Response

📌 Why it matters:

The airspace closure follows India’s diplomatic retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. India’s response included:

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
Cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals
Closure of the Attari-Wagah border
Downgrading diplomatic staff at embassies

🔥 Pakistan’s Reaction:

Pakistan termed India’s move on the Indus Waters Treaty as “water warfare” and threatened retaliation, escalating tensions between the nuclear neighbors.

🛬 PM Modi’s Flight Skipped Pak Airspace:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft rerouted to avoid Pakistani airspace during his return from Saudi Arabia—a move seen as both a security measure and a symbolic message.

🗨️ What the Government Says:

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed top diplomats from the US, EU, Japan, Russia, China, and Qatar about Pakistan’s suspected role in the attack. Evidence reportedly points to Pakistan-based terror outfits, with the Resistance Front (an LeT proxy) claiming responsibility.

🔍 Context:

This incident marks the deadliest terror strike on civilians in India since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Security experts believe the attack bore the hallmark of ISI planning, and a manhunt is underway for the perpetrators.

🏷️ Tags:

Air India, IndiGo, Pakistan Airspace Ban, India Pakistan Tensions, Pahalgam Attack, Flight Delays India, Indus Waters Treaty, PM Modi Flight Reroute, Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISI, India Retaliation Pakistan

News Desk