India closes airspace to Pakistan-operated flights until May 23
In a significant move, India on Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace to all Pakistan-owned and operated flights until an estimated date of May 23, following Pakistan's earlier decision to block its airspace to Indian-owned and operated flights.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the barbaric terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, News.Az reports citing foreign media.
According to the NOTAM, this restriction will be in effect from April 30 to May 23, 2025, during which no Pakistani aircraft will be permitted to enter Indian airspace.
This move comes days after Pakistan closed its airspace to all flights owned and operated by Indian carriers, prompting India to respond with a reciprocal airspace ban on Pakistani aircraft.
Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussed the security scenario and the future course of action in the aftermath of the April 22 horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The top decision-making body on national security was convened for the second time at the Prime Minister's residence within days. The CCS comprises Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
In the first CCS meet chaired by Modi, India took a slew of measures against Pakistan.
The country announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the shutdown of the Attari border, the cancellation of visas of Pakistani nationals, the blockade of many of its YouTube channels and X handles, and downgrading the diplomatic ties with Pakistan by downsizing the already truncated staff in embassies, thereby forcing them back to their country of origin.
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