In a firm retaliatory action following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), barring entry to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan – including commercial and military – from April 30 to May 23, 2025.

The NOTAM imposes a complete ban on Pakistani aircraft using Indian airspace, compelling carriers like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to take longer detours via China or Sri Lanka for flights bound for Southeast Asia and the Far East.

Aviation analysts suggest the diversion will extend PIA flight times by one to two hours, raising fuel consumption and operational costs. The ban is likely to further burden the airline’s already stretched resources.

This action comes amid heightened tensions between the two neighbours, with India also suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, cancelling Pakistani visas, and downgrading diplomatic ties in the aftermath of the attack.

Pakistan’s carriers had already started rerouting flights to avoid Indian airspace, fearing retaliation. Now, with the formal enforcement of the NOTAM, rerouting is mandatory.

In 2019, Pakistan had similarly closed its airspace to Indian aircraft after the Balakot airstrike, conducted in response to the Pulwama terror attack.