NextFin news, Pakistan imposed a ban on Indian-registered aircraft using its airspace starting April 24, 2025, continuing until June 30, 2025. This move was a response to India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, 2025, following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) reported that this airspace closure led to a significant economic loss, estimated at over Rs 1,240 crore (approximately $14.4 million). The ban affected around 100-150 Indian flights daily and resulted in nearly a 20% reduction in Pakistan's transit traffic.
According to reports, the PAA's average daily earnings from overflights increased from $508,000 in 2019 to $760,000 in 2025. Despite the financial impact, Pakistan's defense ministry stated that sovereignty and national defense considerations took precedence over economic factors. The airspace restrictions were issued through Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) citing strategic and diplomatic reasons.
The airspace ban coincided with heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, including India's Operation Sindoor conducted from May 7 to 10, 2025, targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks on Indian targets, leading to retaliatory strikes by the Indian Air Force.
India has also banned Pakistani-operated aircraft from its airspace since April 30, 2025, with the ban extended until August 23, 2025, due to ongoing security and strategic concerns. Pakistan's airspace remains open to all other international airlines except those operated by Indian carriers.
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