India on Wednesday introduced the closure of its airspace for all Pakistani flights, six days after the same transfer made by Pakistan. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a Discover to Air Mission (NOTAM) and closed its airspace for Pakistan-registered, operated, or leased plane, airways, and army flights.
“Indian airspace will not be obtainable for Pakistan-registered plane and plane operated/owned, or leased by Pakistan Airways/ operators, together with army flights,” mentioned the MoCA,
This comes six days after Pakistan shut its airspace to all Indian flights amid escalating diplomatic tensions with India. Flights from Pakistan certain for Southeast Asia and Oceania will now be required to bypass Indian airspace. This rerouting is predicted to considerably enhance journey time and impose a heavy monetary pressure on Pakistan’s already cash-strapped airways.
The suspension of airspace between the 2 nations comes following the Pahalgam terror assault in Jammu and Kashmir by which 26 individuals, primarily vacationers, have been killed by Pakistan-based terrorists on April 22. Following the fear assault, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty and revoked the SAARC Visa scheme for Pakistani nationals. It additionally ordered army attache in Pakistani embassy to depart, a transfer reciprocated by Pakistan.
Day after India’s transfer, Pakistan had closed its airspace for all Indian flights. Whereas India has accused Pakistan of sponsoring the fear assault, Islamabad has denied allegation, calling for an unbiased third social gathering investigation led by Russia and China.