Indian airspace is restricted for Pakistani aircraft.

Action Taken:From April 30 to May 23, 2025, India closed its airspace to all Pakistani aircraft due to escalating tension between the two nations. This decision was made in response to a militant attack on a popular tourist region in India's Jammu and Kashmir state. Known as NOTAM, this notification prohibits all aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as those operated, leased, or owned by Pakistani airlines. This restriction applies at all altitudes and may not be lifted after May 23.

This move comes at a time when relations between the two nuclear powers are strained. The "Resistance Front," associated with the outlawed organization "Lashkar-e-Taiba," claimed responsibility for the attack, which resulted in 26 deaths, including a foreign tourist, and prompted India to accuse Pakistan of supporting terrorist groups operating in disputed border areas.

India's Countermeasures:Following the attack, the Indian government took several harsh actions:

Reduced diplomatic contacts with Pakistan.
Closed the Wagah-Attari border crossing.
Cancelled all issued visas and suspended their issuance.
Suspended the Indus Water Treaty.
Imposed a ban on air communication with Pakistan.

All Pakistani citizens who had entered India were required to leave the country by May 1.

Pakistan's Actions:In response, Pakistan undertook countermeasure:

Suspended trade with India, including transactions through third countries.
Closed its airspace to Indian airlines.
Expelled Indian military advisors from Islamabad.
Suspended the issuance of visas for Indian citizens under the SAARC scheme.

The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan has sparked concern among the international community, especially since both countries possess nuclear weapons. Previously, Pakistani authorities had warned of a possible military strike from India within the next 24 hours.

Additional Insights:The airspace closure has significant economic and geopolitical implications. For instance, Air India, India’s national carrier, could face projected losses of $600 million annually if the ban persists, prompting it to explore China-rerouted flights. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), on the other hand, confronts extended flight times, higher fuel costs, and potential schedule reductions due to rerouting via China or Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, the reciprocal bans could strain both nations' air forces during drills or reconnaissance missions, heightening mistrust. It also raises questions about the role of airspace as a weapon, as future attacks could trigger longer or expanded airspace closures. Moreover, increased use of Chinese airspace by Pakistani flights could deepen China’s economic influence in Islamabad.

This closure underscores how aviation policy is becoming a significant part of geopolitical negotiations, with lasting consequences for bilateral relations and regional trade.

The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir in 2025 has led to the suspension of visas for Indian and Pakistani citizens.
Pakistan, in retaliation to India's airspace ban, also closed its airspace to Indian airlines.
The ongoing war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan in 2025 have sparked global concern, especially given the nations' possession of nuclear weapons.
The general news of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by India in response to the militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir is a significant political move that may have long-term effects on both nations and the regional trade.