Daijiworld Media Network – Islamabad

Islamabad, May 21: In a fresh escalation of Indo-Pak tensions, Pakistan has decided to extend its airspace ban on Indian flights for another month, Geo News reported on Wednesday, quoting official sources. The formal announcement is expected shortly, following which a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will be issued.

As per the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, such airspace closures can be imposed only for a maximum of one month at a time, requiring monthly renewals. The latest move follows a decision taken earlier this month during a meeting of Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) in response to India's retaliatory actions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists.

Pakistan's extended restriction applies to both Indian civilian and military aircraft. India had earlier closed its airspace to Pakistani flights on April 23, a day after the terror attack, prompting a reciprocal ban by Islamabad.

Sources in the Indian military revealed that Pakistan had requested a cessation of operations following India’s strikes on eight Pakistani military installations on May 10. These precision strikes were part of India’s Operation Sindoor launched in response to the Pahalgam attack.

This is not the first time airspace restrictions have been employed as a diplomatic tool between the two nations. Similar closures were witnessed during the 1999 Kargil conflict and following the 2019 Pulwama attack, both of which led to heightened military confrontations.

The continued airspace restrictions are expected to disrupt international flight routes and increase travel time and costs for airlines operating between South Asia and Europe.