Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft. The move comes amid rising tensions following an attack by gunmen in Kashmir and a series of like-for-like diplomatic and administrative measures between India and Pakistan. The ban went into effect at 12:30 UTC on 24 April.
A0220/25 NOTAMN Q) OPXX/QRACD/IV/NBO/W/000/999/2945N06905E999 A) OPKR OPLR B) 2504241230 C) 2505232359EST E) PAKISTAN AIRSPACE NOT AVBL FOR INDIAN REGISTERED ACFT AND ACFT OPERATED/OWNED OR LEASED BY INDIAN AIRLINES/OPERATORS INCLUDING MILITARY FLIGHTS. F) GND G) UNL)
At the time the ban went into effect two Indian registered aircraft were within Pakistan airspace. Air India Express 191 and IndiGo 1481 were allowed to continue through Pakistan airspace toward their destinations. IndiGo flight 1428 was over Iran en route from Sharjah to Amristar approaching the Pakistan border when it changed course to the south. The aircraft diverted to Ahmedabad to refuel.
Indian aircraft re-routing
Indian aircraft that would normally transit Pakistan onward to Afghanistan and points north or west are now mostly routing around Pakistan to the south and then north through Iran. Some flights are continuing west through Saudi Arabia.
We are continuing to monitor the situation for further developments and any impact to commercial aviation.
