India Extends Ban on Pakistan-Registered Aircrafts:In a significant development amid escalating regional tensions, India has extended its ban on Pakistan-registered aircraft from entering its airspace until June 23. The restriction, initially enforced on April 30, is part of India’s retaliatory measures following a deadly terrorist attack in Pehelgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
India Extends Ban on Pakistan-Registered Aircrafts
In a significant development amid escalating regional tensions, India has extended its ban on Pakistan-registered aircraft from entering its airspace until June 23. The restriction, initially enforced on April 30, is part of India’s retaliatory measures following a deadly terrorist attack in Pehelgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
According to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Friday, the Indian airspace will remain closed not only to aircraft registered in Pakistan but also to any planes operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and aviation operators.
Pakistan Denies Airspace to Indigo Flight
The move comes shortly after an incident on May 21, where a Srinagar-bound Indigo flight carrying over 220 passengers requested access to Pakistani airspace to avoid hazardous weather conditions. The aircraft reportedly encountered a hailstorm and sought temporary passage via Lahore Air Traffic Control. Pakistan, however, rejected the request, further straining aviation ties between the two nations.
DGCA confirms that Pakistan’s Lahore ATC denied permission to distressed IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar flight on May 21 from entering Pak airspace briefly to avoid thunderstorm. The aviation terrorism of Pakistan stands confirmed.
Temporary Airspace Closure Over Andaman and Nicobar
India has also announced a separate airspace restriction over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The closure will be in effect for three hours on both May 24 and 25 due to scheduled military exercises and weapons testing activities. During this period, no civilian aircraft will be permitted to use the designated airspace at any altitude.
Security Concerns Over Turkish Aircraft Leases
Adding to the heightened security measures, India’s civil aviation ministry is currently reviewing the use of aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines by Indian carrier Indigo. This scrutiny follows the revocation of security clearance for the Turkish lessor by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on May 15. The action was taken in the interest of national security, particularly after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan in the ongoing geopolitical conflict.
Some reports Claims The government is unlikely to extend Indigo’s leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines, in a move that signals further strain in bilateral ties.
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to simmer, especially in the wake of diplomatic and aviation-level standoffs, further developments are anticipated in the coming weeks. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to take additional steps to ensure civilian safety and protect national interests.