India Extends Airspace Ban on Pakistan Airlines: What Travelers Need to Know Until June 23

By Surabhi Gupta

India has extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft, preventing them from using Indian airspace for another month. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has made it clear that any aircraft registered in Pakistan, including military flights, is not allowed to operate in Indian airspace.

Pakistan has responded by keeping its airspace closed to Indian flights as well. Former Ambassador Deepak Vohra remarked that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is facing severe challenges, including financial issues and corruption scandals. In a surprising twist, some pilots reportedly bought their licenses from barbershops.

Vohra pointed out that countries like the US and those in Europe have already banned PIA flights. Pakistani airlines primarily operate in the West and a few other destinations like Dubai and Saudi Arabia, so the ban may not significantly impact them, as they rarely fly over India.

While this restriction may inconvenience Indian airlines to a degree, India’s aviation sector is thriving, growing by 30-40% annually. With more people eager to travel abroad, airlines are adapting quickly, though their routes are changing in response to the airspace closures. For instance, over 800 weekly flights from North Indian airports have been re-routed since this situation began. Major airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have had to make adjustments, including suspending routes to cities like Almaty and Tashkent.

Vohra noted that while Pakistani actions may create hurdles, India’s rising economic power means travelers are likely to adapt. Even if fares increase as a result of longer routes, demand for international travel remains robust among Indians seeking trips to Europe, the US, and beyond. In fact, tourist visa lines are long, reflecting this growing desire for overseas travel.

Another significant point made by Vohra was Pakistan’s refusal to allow an Indian flight to divert during an emergency, which goes against international aviation norms established under the 1944 Chicago Convention. This incident drew criticism for lacking humanitarian consideration. Both countries share membership in the International Civil Aviation Organization and are expected to abide by its rules, yet actions like this demonstrate a departure from established practices.

Veteran diplomat KP Fabian added context, noting there have been no commercial flights between India and Pakistan since May 2017, citing strained relations as the primary reason. He emphasized that while both nations have the authority to manage their airspace, there are humanitarian exceptions meant to guide emergency situations. Pakistan’s refusal to comply with these exceptions highlights a troubling aspect of their diplomatic approach.

In conclusion, the current airspace restrictions between India and Pakistan are a complex mix of geopolitical tensions and operational challenges for airlines. While India’s aviation market continues to grow, the ongoing barriers raise questions about the future of air travel between the two countries.

For a deeper understanding of international aviation laws, check out the Chicago Convention on ICAO’s official website.



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INDIA AND PAKISTAN, AVIATION SECTOR, MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION, DEEPAK VOHRA, AIRSPACE, INDIA EXTENDS AIRSPACE BAN FOR PAKISTAN AIRLINES TILL JUNE 23