Key Takeaways
• India and Pakistan extended mutual airspace bans until late June 2025, disrupting flights and increasing costs.
• Indian airlines face annual losses of $800 million due to longer routes and canceled flights.
• Restrictions affect international travel, migration, and regional stability after April 2025 Kashmir terror attack.
India 🇮🇳 and Pakistan 🇵🇰 Extend Airspace Closures: What It Means for Travelers, Airlines, and Regional Stability
India 🇮🇳 and Pakistan 🇵🇰 have both extended their bans on each other’s airlines using their airspace, a move that keeps tensions high between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The latest extensions, announced on May 23, 2025, mean that flights between and over these countries will continue to face serious disruptions for at least another month. This article explains what’s happening, why these airspace closures matter, and how they affect travelers, airlines, and the broader region.
Who is affected?
All airlines registered, operated, owned, or leased by India or Pakistan, including both civilian and military aircraft, are barred from flying through each other’s airspace. This affects not only direct flights between the two countries but also many international routes that usually pass over their territory.
What happened?
On May 23, 2025, both India and Pakistan issued new notices extending their airspace bans for another month. India’s ban on Pakistani airlines now runs until June 23, 2025, while Pakistan’s ban on Indian airlines is in effect until 4:59 am on June 24, 2025. These moves are part of a series of tit-for-tat actions following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir in April 2025.
Where is this happening?
The closures affect the entire airspace of both countries. This includes major international flight corridors that connect South Asia with Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
When did this start?
The current round of airspace closures began in late April 2025, after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Since then, both countries have taken steps to restrict each other’s access to their airspace.
Why are they doing this?
The closures are a direct response to rising political and military tensions. India blames Pakistan for the April attack, while Pakistan denies involvement and calls for a neutral investigation. Both sides are using airspace restrictions as a way to apply pressure and signal their displeasure.
How are the bans enforced?
Both countries have issued official NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), which are international alerts used to inform pilots and airlines about changes to airspace access. These notices are recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and are legally binding for all airlines.
The Latest Developments: May 2025
On May 23, 2025, India extended its ban on Pakistani airlines for another month, just as the previous ban was set to expire. The new NOTAM states that Indian airspace will remain closed to all aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as planes operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators. This includes military aircraft.
In a matching move, Pakistan extended its own ban on Indian aircraft until June 24, 2025. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that all Indian-registered, operated, owned, or leased aircraft are covered by the ban, including military planes.
These extensions are in line with ICAO rules, which generally allow airspace closures for up to one month at a time. Both countries are expected to review the situation again before the next expiration dates.
What Led to the Airspace Closures?
The current restrictions are part of a larger diplomatic and military standoff that began after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The attack killed 26 people and immediately heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Here’s a timeline of key events:
- April 22, 2025: Terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, kills 26 people.
- April 23, 2025: India responds by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border crossing, and downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
- April 24, 2025: Pakistan closes its airspace to Indian airlines and suspends all trade with India, including trade through third countries.
- April 30, 2025: India imposes its own airspace ban on Pakistani airlines.
- May 7, 2025: India launches airstrikes on multiple locations in northern Pakistan, leading to exchanges of fire.
- May 10, 2025: A ceasefire is announced and appears to be holding, despite accusations of violations.
- May 23, 2025: Both countries extend their respective airspace bans.
This series of actions shows how quickly diplomatic disputes can spill over into practical measures that affect millions of people.
Real-World Example: The IndiGo Hailstorm Incident
The seriousness of these airspace closures was highlighted by a dramatic incident on May 21, 2025. An IndiGo pilot flying from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a sudden hailstorm. The pilot asked Lahore Air Traffic Control (in Pakistan) for permission to briefly enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the dangerous weather. The request was denied, forcing the pilot to continue through the storm. The plane landed safely in Srinagar, but its nose was damaged and passengers were shaken.
This event shows how airspace closures can create real safety risks for passengers and crew, especially when weather or emergencies require flexibility.
How Airlines and Passengers Are Affected
Financial Impact on Airlines
The airspace closures are causing major financial losses, especially for Indian airlines:
- Indian airlines face projected annual losses of about ₹7,000 crore ($800 million).
- Air India is the hardest hit, with expected losses of ₹5,000 crore ($600 million), since 60% of its revenue comes from international routes.
- IndiGo expects losses of ₹1,300 crore, while other carriers like Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air are also affected.
- Over 800 weekly flights are disrupted, especially those from Delhi, Amritsar, and Lucknow to North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
- Weekly operational costs for Indian airlines have increased by about ₹77 crore due to longer routes, with monthly impacts possibly exceeding ₹306 crore.
These numbers are similar to losses suffered in 2019, when Pakistan closed its airspace for five months after the Pulwama attack. At that time, Indian carriers lost over ₹540 crore, with Air India alone losing ₹491 crore.
Operational Changes
To cope with the closures, airlines have had to make several adjustments:
- Longer flight routes: Planes must fly around the closed airspace, adding up to 1.5 hours to some journeys.
- Higher fuel costs: Longer routes mean more fuel is needed, increasing expenses.
- Higher ticket prices: Airlines are passing some of these costs on to passengers.
- Technical stops: Some flights now require extra stops for refueling.
- Avoiding Pakistani airspace: Most international airlines are rerouting flights south via the Gulf of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
These changes make travel more expensive and less convenient for passengers, especially those flying between South Asia and destinations in Europe or North America.
Government Response and Possible Relief
The Indian government is aware of the financial strain on its airlines and is considering several relief measures:
- Tax exemptions: The Civil Aviation Ministry is discussing possible tax breaks for affected airlines.
- Alternate routes: Authorities are exploring new overflight routes, possibly closer to Chinese airspace, to reduce travel times.
- Subsidies: Air India has requested a “subsidy model” to help offset its losses.
- Overflight clearances: The government is working to get permission from China for Indian airlines to use its airspace more frequently.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu has said that decisions about the airspace ban are being made with input from security agencies, not just the aviation ministry.
Status of Airports and Airspace
While the mutual airspace bans remain in place, some other restrictions have been eased:
- Pakistan has reopened all previously closed airways that were restricted during the May 7 escalation.
- India has reopened all previously closed airports, including Amritsar, Srinagar, and Chandigarh, which were temporarily shut as a precaution.
- Pakistan has not closed its entire airspace, despite some media reports. However, several airways in the northern Lahore Flight Information Region (FIR) remained unavailable until May 10.
Travelers should check with their airlines and official government sources for the latest updates before booking flights that might be affected.
What Could Happen Next?
The situation remains tense, and there is a risk of further escalation. If the conflict continues, Pakistan could impose a full airspace closure, as it did from February to August 2019. This would force even more flights to reroute, increasing costs and travel times.
The ceasefire announced on May 10 is holding for now, but the risk of renewed hostilities remains, especially over Kashmir and along the shared border. Air defense activity could resume with little warning if fighting breaks out again.
For airlines, the economic impact is becoming harder to manage. Air India, for example, is already struggling with a reported net loss of $520 million in the 2023-24 financial year and delays in receiving new planes from Boeing and Airbus. Without government help, the current situation could threaten the survival of some carriers.
Broader Implications for Immigration and Mobility
These airspace closures don’t just affect airlines—they also have a big impact on people’s ability to move between countries. Here’s how:
- Family reunification: Many families in India and Pakistan have relatives on both sides of the border. Airspace closures make it harder and more expensive for them to visit each other.
- Students and workers: Thousands of students and professionals travel between India, Pakistan, and other countries for education and work. Longer, costlier flights can make these opportunities less accessible.
- Refugees and asylum seekers: People fleeing violence or persecution may find it harder to reach safety if flights are disrupted or rerouted.
- Tourism: The closures discourage tourism, which is an important source of income for both countries.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, disruptions like these can have long-term effects on migration patterns, as people may choose to study, work, or settle in countries that are easier to reach.
What Should Travelers and Airlines Do Now?
If you’re planning to travel to or from India or Pakistan, or if your flight usually passes over their airspace, here are some practical steps:
- Check with your airline: Airlines will have the latest information on route changes, delays, and cancellations.
- Monitor official government updates: Both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority provide authoritative information.
- Consider alternative routes: If possible, look for flights that avoid the affected airspace.
- Be prepared for higher fares and longer travel times: Airlines are passing on some of the increased costs to passengers.
- Stay informed: The situation can change quickly, so keep an eye on news reports and official advisories.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The ongoing airspace closures between India and Pakistan are a stark reminder of how political disputes can disrupt the lives of ordinary people. Airlines are losing money, travelers are facing delays and higher costs, and families are being kept apart. While governments are exploring ways to ease the burden, the situation remains uncertain.
For now, the best advice is to stay informed, plan ahead, and be flexible. As history shows, airspace closures can last for months, and the impact can be felt long after the restrictions are lifted.
For more detailed analysis and updates on immigration and travel issues in South Asia, VisaVerge.com reports that travelers should regularly check official government sources and consult with airlines before making any travel plans.
Official government link for updates:
– Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India
Key takeaway:
If you’re affected by the India-Pakistan airspace closures, stay in close contact with your airline, monitor official updates, and be ready for changes. The situation is fluid, and being prepared is the best way to minimize disruption to your travel or immigration plans.
Learn Today
NOTAM → Notice to Airmen, alerts pilots to changes in airspace access or restrictions.
Airspace Closure → Official prohibition on aircraft flying through designated air areas by a country’s authority.
Indus Waters Treaty → A 1960 water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, suspended after recent tensions.
ICAO → International Civil Aviation Organization, a UN agency regulating global aviation standards.
Ceasefire → An agreement to stop fighting temporarily, currently holding but fragile between India and Pakistan.
This Article in a Nutshell
India and Pakistan extended their airspace bans through June 2025, disrupting flights and increasing costs. Airlines suffer major losses, rerouting flights increases risks and delays. Travelers, migrants, and families face challenges. Governments seek relief and alternative routes. The situation remains tense, affecting regional stability and international mobility profoundly.
— By VisaVerge.com
