Diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated once again. Pakistan is now banning Indian airlines from its airspace.
Following a bloody terrorist attack in the Indian part of Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed, the conflict between India and Pakistan has rapidly escalated. As a retaliatory measure, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian airlines. India holds Pakistan responsible for the attack and has responded by suspending the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which regulates how both countries manage the water supplies of the Indus River. Additionally, India has closed an important border crossing with Pakistan, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and revoked the visas of Pakistani citizens. Pakistan denies any involvement in the attack and accuses India of using the incident as a pretext to exert political pressure.
Impact on aviation
Pakistan has now also taken countermeasures. As of April 24, the country has frozen all trade relations with India and closed its airspace to all flights from Indian airlines. Air India reports that due to the airspace closure, some intercontinental flights—particularly to North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East—will have to take longer detours. “This unexpected airspace closure is beyond our control,” said the airline in a statement. Similarly, IndiGo, the airline led by Pieter Elbers, warns of delays and disruptions in its international network: “Due to the current situation and the closed Pakistani airspace, some of our international flights may be affected. We are doing everything we can to minimize the inconvenience to passengers.”