New Delhi: In a sharp escalation of bilateral tensions, India has officially closed its airspace to all Pakistan-operated commercial and military flights, mirroring a similar move made by Islamabad six days ago. The restriction, effective from April 30, was announced through a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and will remain in force until May 23.
The closure comes in response to Pakistan’s earlier decision to bar Indian flights from entering its airspace, a move that had already prompted Pakistani carriers to reroute eastbound flights through longer, costlier paths via China or Sri Lanka.
This tit-for-tat development unfolds against a backdrop of rising hostilities following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed. Indian authorities have linked the incident to Pakistan-backed elements, pointing to the inflammatory rhetoric of Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, as a trigger.
In a further escalation, Pakistan on Wednesday alleged it had “credible intelligence” suggesting an imminent Indian military operation across the Line of Control (LoC), adding fuel to the already volatile regional atmosphere.
India has responded to Pakistan’s ban on Indian aircraft with a reciprocal ban of its own. Commercially, the ban will affect PIA’s flights to KUL (PK894/5 & PK898/9). Flights began using a new route yesterday (prior to NOTAM) adding 3+ hrs. Live flight: https://t.co/P5LhvcF4rG pic.twitter.com/IY8fjH2hmd
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) April 30, 2025
Diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have deteriorated rapidly in recent days. Both nations have suspended visa services for each other’s citizens and issued advisories for diplomats and nationals to leave by April 30. The deteriorating situation has also led India to place the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance — a major shift in a water-sharing agreement that has remained intact since 1960, despite frequent political tensions.
The treaty governs the distribution of water from the Indus River system, a critical lifeline for millions in both countries. Pakistan has warned that any interference with its allocated share would be considered an act of war.
As the diplomatic standoff deepens, observers warn that both airspace restrictions and suspension of cooperation over vital resources signal a serious strain in India-Pakistan relations, with potential ripple effects across the region.
