ISLAMABAD, April 25 (Alliance News): As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the deadly Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines, resulting in significant disruptions to international flights.
The closure, which took effect on April 24, has forced long-haul flights bound for India to land in third countries for refuelling.
Aviation sources reported that an Indian flight traveling from Sharjah to Amritsar was rerouted to avoid Pakistani airspace.
Additionally, flights from Toronto to India, Paris to Delhi, and London to India had to make refuelling stops in Copenhagen, Abu Dhabi, and other locations due to the airspace closure.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) issued a notice confirming the suspension of airspace for all Indian-owned or operated airlines, including military flights.
This decision was made after a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting in response to India’s controversial actions, including attempts to divert the flow of water from the Indus River.
The airspace closure is set to last for one month, potentially costing Indian airlines up to $500 million.
The impact on daily flights has been substantial, with an estimated 200 to 300 Indian flights using Pakistani airspace daily.
The closure is expected to add around two hours to each flight’s travel time, significantly increasing fuel consumption and operational costs for Indian carriers.
The diplomatic fallout from the attack, which killed 26 people in the IIOJK’s Pahalgam area, has seen both countries suspend bilateral trade, close borders, and reduce diplomatic presence.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to stop the flow of water from the Indus River will be seen as an “act of war.”
