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

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✈️ 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

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📌 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

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🔥 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.

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🛬 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.

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🗨️ 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.

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🔍 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.

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🏷️ 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