Pakistan and India’s aviation authorities have decided to extend the ban on each other’s airlines, a move that comes in the wake of escalating tensions following a violent incident that resulted in significant casualties. The decision was made public following an attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir on April 22, which led to a four-day military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The violence claimed the lives of more than 70 individuals due to missile strikes, drone assaults, and artillery exchanges, prompting both nations to announce a ceasefire on May 10. In response to the situation, Pakistan initially closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 24, and India mirrored this action shortly thereafter. The original ban was set to expire on May 23 but has now been extended, with Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority stating that no Indian airlines or military aircraft will be permitted to utilize Pakistani airspace until early morning on June 24.
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation responded by extending its notice for Pakistan flights by another month, setting June 23 as the new deadline for the ban. The ongoing restrictions affect countless flights from India to destinations in Central Asia, Europe, and North America, prolonging travel times by up to two hours. Experts caution that this increased duration of flights may ultimately result in higher ticket prices for travelers.
The long-standing territorial dispute over Kashmir continues to be a significant source of conflict between the two nations, which have fought multiple wars over the region since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. The current situation echoes a similar scenario in 2019 when Pakistan’s airspace closure, following an airstrike by India in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Kashmir, led to significant financial losses for Indian airlines, estimated at nearly 5.5 billion rupees ($64.3 million) over a five-month period.
As both countries navigate their contentious relationship, the aviation ban serves as a reminder of the broader geopolitical tensions that persist in the region.
