India has closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan, including those operated or leased by Pakistani airlines and military, in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued on Wednesday, confirming the airspace restriction from April 30 to May 23 (estimated), barring all Pakistani civil and military aircraft from flying over Indian territory.
This move comes after Pakistan announced a similar airspace closure six days earlier, effectively resulting in mutual restrictions on each other’s airlines.
The decision follows heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), where there has been an uptick in ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The Indian Army has responded firmly to these provocations.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian security forces have intensified counter-terror operations across Kashmir. The government has also granted the armed forces full operational freedom to respond decisively to terrorism.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met a day after the attack, was briefed on cross-border involvement in the incident. Officials noted that the attack came amid peaceful elections and ongoing economic development in the region.
In addition to the airspace ban, India has taken several other measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and deciding to scale down diplomatic staff at High Commissions.
