In a move that’s making headlines across South Asia, India has closed its airspace to all Pakistani flights — both military and civilian — until May 23, 2025. This comes just days after Pakistan shut its skies to Indian carriers. So, what’s going on? Let’s break it down.
What Triggered This?
It all started on April 22, when a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir killed 26 Hindu tourists. The group behind the attack, The Resistance Front, is believed to have ties to Pakistan-based terror networks. India quickly blamed Pakistan for harboring terrorists, while Pakistan denied any involvement and called for an international investigation.
Diplomatic tensions soared almost instantly — and with them came retaliation.
Eye for an Eye in the Sky
Soon after the attack, Pakistan banned Indian aircraft from using its airspace. This includes all commercial airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and even military flights. India hit back by closing its own airspace to Pakistan.
These aren’t just symbolic moves. They have real-world consequences:
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Flights are longer and costlier. Rerouted flights from India to Europe and the US are now burning more fuel and time.
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IndiGo had to suspend some flights to cities like Tashkent and Almaty because they simply weren’t viable anymore.
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Pakistan stands to lose millions in overflight fees as international airlines steer clear of its skies.
The Ripple Effects
This isn’t just about planes in the sky. It’s a much bigger reflection of how strained India-Pakistan relations have become.
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India has also suspended a key water-sharing treaty — the Indus Waters Treaty.
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Trade between the two countries has come to a standstill.
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Both nations have expelled diplomats, cut back on consular staff, and scaled down communication.
The World Is Watching
With two nuclear-armed neighbors staring each other down, global powers are on edge. The U.S. has stepped in, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling both governments to urge calm. But with emotions running high and elections around the corner in both countries, no one’s backing down just yet.
So, What Now?
The airspace closure might seem like a technical issue, but it’s a sign of something deeper — a relationship teetering on the edge. For travelers, it means delays. For airlines, it means losses. But for the region, it’s a reminder of how fragile peace can be.
