Islamabad, May 11 - Pakistan announced the full reopening of its airspace to all civilian and commercial flight operations, marking a significant step toward de-escalation after weeks of heightened tensions with India. The decision, confirmed by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), followed a ceasefire agreement reached between the two nuclear-armed neighbors on May 10, mediated by diplomatic efforts, including involvement from the United States. This development has alleviated disruptions that grounded flights, closed airports, and rerouted international carriers across South Asia, though some restrictions and uncertainties linger as both nations navigate a fragile truce.
.gif)
The airspace closure began on April 24, when Pakistan imposed a ban on Indian airlines and aircraft, a response to escalating bilateral tensions sparked by the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, an attack India attributed to Pakistani militants—a claim Pakistan denied. By May 6, Pakistan issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing a complete airspace shutdown, halting all domestic and international flights for 48 hours following India’s Operation Sindoor, a series of precision missile strikes targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes, conducted between 1:05 and 1:30 AM IST on May 7, prompted Pakistan to divert flights to Karachi, straining its aviation infrastructure. The total closure affected 57 international flights in Pakistani airspace at the time, forcing carriers like Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Emirates to reroute over the Arabian Sea, Oman, and the UAE, significantly extending flight times and raising fuel costs.
India reciprocated by closing its airspace to Pakistani airlines, shutting 27 airports in northern India, many shared with military operations. The ripple effect disrupted global aviation, with airlines canceling over 150 flights and rerouting others to avoid the conflict zone. Congestion over Mumbai and alternate diversion airports like Ahmedabad and Goa became a logistical challenge. The economic toll was notable, with Indian carriers facing competitive disadvantages as non-Indian airlines could still traverse alternative routes, albeit longer ones. The ceasefire, effective from 5 PM IST on May 10, aimed to halt hostilities on land, sea, and air. Pakistan’s reopening of its airspace on May 11, announced via a new NOTAM canceling earlier restrictions, restored normalcy to its aviation network.
However, the ban on Indian aircraft remains, and India’s prohibition on Pakistani airlines persists, reflecting ongoing distrust. Violations reported hours after the ceasefire, including explosions in Srinagar and cross-border firing in Kashmir, underscore the truce’s fragility. The Indian Air Force noted continued “operations,” and both sides accused each other of breaches, complicating the restoration of full air travel confidence. While Pakistan’s airports are now operational, the PAA advises passengers to check with airlines for updated schedules, as some carriers remain cautious. The ceasefire’s success hinges on upcoming talks between the Directors General of Military Operations on May 12, which will assess compliance and chart a path forward. For now, the reopening of Pakistan’s airspace offers relief to travelers and airlines, but the region’s aviation sector remains on edge, awaiting sustained peace to fully recover.