India closes airspace to Pakistani aircraft following Pahalgam attack

India has barred Pakistani civilian and military aircraft from its airspace via a NOTAM issued Wednesday. The move affects PIA operations and follows the Pahalgam attack, after which the Indian government authorised military responses across all branches

Hyderabad: India closed its airspace to all aircraft belonging to Pakistan on Wednesday. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by Indian authorities bans both civilian and military aircraft from Pakistan from entering Indian airspace, according to information culled out from various online sources.

The restriction also applies to aircraft owned, leased, or operated by Pakistan.

The move is expected to impact Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which will now have to operate flights through longer routes. This is likely to result in increased operational costs and disruptions in connectivity.

The decision comes in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack. Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted operational freedom to the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy to respond to cross-border threats.

Several international flights operated by Pakistan have already begun using longer and circuitous routes since the NOTAM was issued.