India and Pakistan continue their mutual airspace bans, preventing each other’s airlines from flying over their respective territories. The ban, which was initially put into place in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and worsening diplomatic relations, has been extended by both countries until June 23.
India’s Civil Aviation ministry released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) stating that aircraft registered in Pakistan, including those owned or operated by Pakistani airlines or operators, are not allowed to enter Indian airspace until June 23. The ban also applies to Pakistani military aircraft, as per the notice.
On the other side, Pakistan has also extended the ban on its airspace for Indian aircraft and carriers until June 24, as confirmed through a new NOTAM issued by Pakistan’s aviation authorities. The initial restriction was implemented on April 24 following the Pahalgam terror attack, which also restricted Indian aircraft from utilizing Pakistani airspace. Originally set to expire on May 24, the ban has now been extended until June 24, mirroring India’s decision to extend its ban.
The reciprocal airspace bans have resulted in significant operational challenges for airlines, including longer flight times, increased fuel burn, and other complexities related to crew and flight scheduling. This has led to higher operational costs for carriers, impacting around 800 flights a week of Indian airlines. In 2019, the closure of Pakistan’s airspace for over four months resulted in substantial financial losses for Indian airlines, totaling an estimated Rs 700 crore.
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like these airspace bans are causing more trouble than they’re worth. Not really sure why this matters, but the ban extension is definitely not good news for airlines on both sides. The ongoing restrictions are not just affecting flight operations but also leading to financial losses for carriers.