Claim: India has closed its airspace to Pakistan’s airlines following rising tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Fact:
True. On April 30, 2025, India issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) officially restricting Pakistani airlines from flying over Indian airspace.
What Happened?
In a major diplomatic and aviation escalation, India barred Pakistani airlines from entering its airspace following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. According to sources, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a NOTAM — a formal notice to pilots and air traffic personnel — informing that Pakistani carriers are no longer permitted to transit through Indian skies.
This decision comes a week after Pakistan banned Indian carriers from using its own airspace, escalating the tit-for-tat aviation standoff.
Impact on Pakistani Flights
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) responded on the same day by cancelling all flights to and from the northern territories of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), particularly Gilgit, Skardu, and Islamabad. Local reports confirmed:
- Two flights each from Karachi and Lahore to Skardu were cancelled.
- Two flights from Islamabad to Skardu and four to Gilgit were also grounded.
Pakistani media cited security reasons for these cancellations, with the Express Tribune reporting that all airports in Pakistan were placed under high alert, and surveillance measures were significantly strengthened.
Context: Pahalgam Terror Attack Fallout
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been rising rapidly since the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22, 2025. India had already suspended the Indus Water Treaty, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, and shut down the Attari land border transit.
This latest airspace restriction marks a significant diplomatic move — one that mirrors prior historical escalations between the two countries.
Verdict: TRUE
India has officially closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines as of April 30, 2025. The move follows a pattern of reciprocal restrictions and is confirmed by a government-issued NOTAM.
Both countries have now restricted each other’s aviation access — a clear indication of rising hostilities in the region.