In a tit-for-tat move following Pakistan’s airspace ban on Indian flights, New Delhi shuts its skies to Pakistani aircraft after a brutal terror strike in Pahalgam kills 26 tourists.
New Delhi, May-1:
Escalating its response to the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, India has closed its airspace to all aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Pakistan. This includes commercial as well as military flights.
The decision comes just days after Pakistan banned Indian carriers from its airspace. India’s reciprocal ban, outlined in a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), will remain in force until 11:59 PM UTC on May 23 (5:29 AM IST on May 24), though officials have indicated the timeline may be extended.
The Kashmir terror attack, linked to Pakistani-backed militants and reportedly triggered by religious extremism, has severely strained bilateral relations. It followed a provocative speech by Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, and has prompted fears in Islamabad of an impending military response from India.
Also Read: Pakistan’s Terror Network: From Kashmir to Kabul and the World
While Pakistani flights had already begun rerouting to avoid Indian airspace, India’s official closure makes such routes legally inaccessible, further straining Pakistan’s aviation sector. Flights to Southeast Asia and Oceania will now require significant detours, increasing costs and travel time — a major blow to the cash-strapped Pakistani carriers.
Also Read: “Missing?” Pakistan Army Chief’s Whereabouts Fuel Speculation After Pahalgam Attack
India has already taken a slew of tough measures, including:
- Placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance,
- Declaring Pakistani military diplomats in Delhi as persona non grata,
- Cancelling visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and
- Closing border posts.
Pakistan, in turn, has responded with trade suspensions, the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft, and threats to terminate key bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement.
India has vowed to pursue the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre “to the ends of the Earth” and warned that those backing terrorism will face consequences “beyond their imagination.”
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India Pakistan tensions, Kashmir terror attack, airspace closure, Indo-Pak relations, Pahalgam attack, General Asim Munir, Indus Water Treaty, Simla Agreement, aviation news, India foreign policy