India and Pakistan Extend Airspace Bans Amid Escalating Tensions

In a sharp continuation of diplomatic hostilities, both India and Pakistan have extended their respective airspace closures to each other’s commercial and military aircraft for another month, compounding the strain on regional aviation and diplomatic ties.

India has extended its ban on Pakistan from operating its airspace. | Mint

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed on Wednesday that the country’s airspace will remain shut to all aircraft “registered, owned, leased, or operated by Pakistan” until 5:29 AM IST on June 23, 2025. This decision follows Pakistan’s extension of a similar ban on Indian carriers through June 24.

Statements from Officials

An official from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation said “This decision has been taken in the interest of national security and reciprocity. India reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to any threats or restrictions imposed on its sovereign operations.”

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority responded shortly thereafter “The extension of the airspace closure to Indian aircraft is a necessary measure, reflecting the current bilateral climate. India’s actions have escalated tensions, and Pakistan must respond firmly while keeping its airspace and citizens secure.”

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) acknowledged the situation but urged restraint “We encourage both nations to prioritize dialogue and minimize disruptions to international civil aviation. Prolonged closures impact not just bilateral routes but also global flight efficiency and safety.”

Background: Triggering Incident

The reciprocal airspace restrictions began in late April 2025 after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 Indian tourists. India swiftly blamed Pakistan-based extremist groups and conducted airstrikes on terrorist camps along the Line of Control.

In response, Pakistan imposed a ban on Indian commercial and military flights on April 24. India responded with its own NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on April 30, barring Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace.

Aviation Disruption and Costs

Airlines operating long-haul flights between Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are facing major detours and additional fuel costs. According to airline officials, some routes have been lengthened by up to 90 minutes due to rerouting around closed airspace. 

An executive from a Gulf-based airline said “Flights from Dubai to Delhi or Amritsar now have to navigate a more complex route via Central Asia or southern India, adding significant fuel and crew costs. We’re closely monitoring developments and hope for a resolution soon.”

IndiGo Incident Highlights Risks

The human and operational cost of these restrictions was evident on May 21 when an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar flew into a severe hailstorm. The pilot requested emergency permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to enter Pakistani airspace after the Indian Air Force denied deviation clearance across the border. Pakistani authorities declined the request citing standing airspace restrictions.

The DGCA issued a statement “Despite facing intense turbulence, our pilots followed protocol. The matter is being investigated to improve our preparedness for such scenarios. This incident underlines the need for emergency exemptions under humanitarian grounds, even amidst political standoffs.”

The plane safely landed in Srinagar but sustained nose cone damage. Passengers were unharmed.

Legal Framework and Diplomatic Impasse

Under ICAO norms, countries may close airspace for up to 30 days at a time, citing security or sovereignty concerns. However, repeated closures without dialogue are rare and pose a challenge to international aviation norms.

So far, both nations have continued monthly extensions with little progress on resuming talks.

An aviation analyst noted, “This isn’t just about geopolitics—it’s about commerce, connectivity, and safety. Both countries need to realize that their bilateral standoff has a global footprint now.”

Conclusion

As India and Pakistan persist in extending mutual airspace bans, the global aviation network continues to bear the brunt. With no sign of diplomatic thaw and continued hostilities along the border, passengers, airlines, and even neutral third countries are left grappling with uncertainty. Meanwhile, global institutions like the ICAO watch cautiously, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough before operational disruptions spiral further.

(Sources: Mint, Economic Times, NDTV)