Kathmandu. New Delhi: India on Wednesday closed its airspace for Pakistani aircraft amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the news agency PTI, Indian officials have said that the ban will be in force from May 1 to May 23. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued a NOTAM in this regard on Wednesday evening. Notam i.e. ‘Notice to Airman’ is issued in relation to flights in the aviation sector.
The ban means that Indian airspace will not be available for aircraft operated or owned by Pakistani airlines and operators registered in Pakistan. A senior government official told PTI that the ban will also apply to Pakistan’s military aircraft.
There is no direct flight between India and Pakistan. Pakistani airlines use Indian airspace for flights to Singapore, Malaysia and other East Asian countries.
On April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, India took several steps against Pakistan. These include “suspending” the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the only operational land border crossing at Attari and reducing diplomatic relations.
In response, Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian aircraft and suspended all trade with India through third countries. On the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan has said that if any attempt is made to stop or divert water, it will be considered a ‘declaration of war’. – Agency
