Pakistan and India have initiated a gradual softening of the airspace restrictions that had significantly impacted air travel across the region.
In a notable development on May 10, 2025, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced the full restoration of its airspace for all categories of flight operations. This declaration effectively rescinded a prior Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) which had stipulated the closure of Pakistani airspace until 12:00 local time on May 11, 2025. “All airports across the country are operational and available for normal flight operations,” the PAA stated, advising passengers to liaise with their respective airlines for the most up-to-date flight schedules. This move signals a positive step towards the normalization of air traffic flows that had been severely curtailed by the preceding tensions.
However, despite Pakistan’s decision to fully reopen its skies, local media reports indicate a persistent asymmetry in airspace access. A ban on aircraft owned or operated by Indian entities remains in effect within Pakistani airspace. Conversely, Pakistani airlines are reportedly still not granted reciprocal freedom to enter Indian airspace. This partial easing suggests a cautious and phased approach to restoring full air connectivity between the two nations. The initial tightening of airspace restrictions began on April 24, 2025, when Pakistan unilaterally declared an immediate closure of its airspace to “Indian owned or Indian operated airlines.” This decision compelled Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo to undertake costly and time-consuming rerouting of their flights, adding to operational complexities and passenger journey times. Subsequently, on May 6, 2025, Pakistan escalated these measures by issuing a broader NOTAM, extending the airspace closure to encompass all aircraft, further compounding the disruptions.
The breakthrough in de-escalation occurred on May 10, 2025, with the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered after two days of intensive negotiations. These diplomatic efforts reportedly involved the active mediation of the United States, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio playing a significant role in facilitating dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The announcement of the ceasefire was publicly acknowledged by then-President Donald Trump, who conveyed his satisfaction via social media. “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” his post read.
Despite the formal ceasefire agreement, reports have emerged from both sides alleging breaches of the accord, including claims of explosions in Indian-administered Kashmir. These allegations underscore the fragility of the newly established truce and the underlying complexities that continue to characterize the relationship between the two nations. The recent crisis was precipitated by the killing of 26 individuals in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, 2025, an event that triggered a sharp escalation in tensions and ultimately led to the airspace restrictions. The gradual softening of these restrictions, commencing with Pakistan’s full airspace reopening, offers a glimmer of hope for a return to normalcy in regional air travel. However, the continued ban on Indian carriers by Pakistan and the apparent lack of reciprocal access for Pakistani airlines into India highlight the persistent sensitivities and the measured pace at which bilateral relations are recalibrating in the aftermath of the crisis.
The aviation sector, a crucial facilitator of economic activity and connectivity, remains acutely attuned to further developments in this delicate geopolitical landscape.
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