Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian flights since April 24, 2025, a move that has significantly disrupted regional aviation and caused heavy financial losses for Indian airlines.
The decision came amid rising tensions between the two countries, following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which Pakistan called a unilateral and provocative step.
In response, Pakistan restricted its airspace, forcing Indian carriers to take longer international routes, resulting in increased fuel consumption, extended flight times, and higher operational costs.
Aviation analysts say these rerouting measures have led to billions in losses for Indian airlines, as schedules were disrupted and efficiency reduced across multiple routes.
Tensions escalated further after the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with India blaming Pakistan, a claim strongly denied by Islamabad, which called for an independent inquiry.
The situation intensified as India also closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines, further deepening the aviation standoff between the two sides.
Military exchanges followed in May 2025, including strikes on several locations, and Pakistan’s retaliatory response under “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” targeting multiple military positions.
Despite the escalation, a ceasefire was later reached through international mediation, helping to prevent further conflict.
Experts note that Pakistan’s aviation sector has remained comparatively less affected, while Indian airlines continue to face the heavier financial impact of restricted airspace access.
