In a significant escalation of geopolitical tensions, India has officially closed its airspace to all aircraft owned and operated by Pakistani entities, including both civilian and military planes. This strategic move directly responds to Pakistan’s recent decision to ban Indian airlines from using its airspace, marking a tit-for-tat exchange following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
PIA Flights Severely Affected
As a direct consequence, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will face major disruptions. According to flight data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s summer schedule, six to eight of PIA’s weekly flights will be impacted by the Indian airspace ban. These include:
Four weekly flights from Islamabad to Kuala Lumpur
Two weekly flights from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur
Two weekly flights from Lahore to Seoul
With Indian skies now off-limits, these routes will either require major detours or risk suspension.
Strategic Impact on Flight Routes
India’s large geographic presence plays a key role in international aviation routes, particularly for South Asian carriers. A complete closure of Indian airspace means that flights originating from Pakistan must now take longer, costlier detours over other countries to reach Southeast Asian destinations such as Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Thailand, and Hanoi.
However, the majority of Pakistan’s international air traffic is focused on the Middle East, including countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt. These routes are expected to remain mostly unaffected for now.
Rising Tensions Amid Security Concerns
The closure of airspace on both sides reflects the growing strain in India-Pakistan diplomatic and security relations. After the Pahalgam terror attack, both countries have taken strong retaliatory actions, with aviation and airspace rights becoming the newest battleground.
What’s at Stake?
This move could cause economic and operational strain on PIA, which is already navigating financial challenges. Longer flight paths mean higher fuel costs and reduced flight efficiency, further tightening margins for the national carrier. The diplomatic fallout may also affect other regional cooperation and aviation agreements.
India shuts airspace to Pakistani aircraft is not just a headline—it’s a reflection of deepening regional conflict and its ripple effects on global aviation. As developments unfold, airlines and passengers alike will be watching closely.
