Days After Kashmir Terror Attack India Has Finally Closed Its Airspace To Pak Flights

Six days after Pakistan took the decisive step to close its airspace to all flights operated by Indian airlines, New Delhi has retaliated with a reciprocal measure, barring all aircraft registered in Pakistan from its airspace.

Both nations have now imposed restrictions on each other's airlines, effective until 11:59 PM UTC on May 23 (5:29 AM IST on May 24), with the possibility of further updates as the deadline approaches. A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued by New Delhi declared, "Indian airspace is not available to Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Pakistan airlines. These include military flights."

This stern action arrives amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, an act perpetrated by terrorists linked to Pakistan. This heinous attack, driven by religious extremism, unfolded shortly after a provocative speech by Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir.

Given the already frayed relations, the situation has escalated dramatically, with Pakistan bracing itself for a possible military response from India. Consequently, Pakistani flights had already begun to navigate away from Indian airspace. However, with India's formal declaration, these flights will now be permanently prohibited from accessing Indian skies.

In a series of diplomatically punitive measures, India has enacted steps such as placing the Indus Waters Treaty in "abeyance," designating Pakistani military diplomatic personnel at its High Commission as "persona non grata," shutting down all border posts, and revoking all visas previously granted to Pakistani citizens. In response, Islamabad has initiated its own countermeasures, including halting all trade, closing its airspace to Indian airlines, and asserting the right to suspend "all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement."

Amidst these escalating tensions, Pakistan harbors deep concern over a potential military strike from India, which has vowed to take decisive action against those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack. India has promised to go to the "ends of the Earth" to find terrorists and their backers and punish them "beyond their imagination."