India, Pakistan Restrict Airspace Amid Escalating Kashmir Conflict
India and Pakistan have closed parts of their northern airspace, including the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, as tensions escalated following missile strikes and a terror attack. The closures have forced widespread flight cancellations and rerouting across the region.
India issued NOTAM A0971/25, closing airspace near the Pakistani border from 2100L (1530Z) on May 6 until 0200L (2130Z) on May 9, citing “air exercises.” In response, Pakistan issued NOTAM A0275/25, closing northern airspace from 2330L (1830Z) on May 6 through May 8. The closure was later narrowed to impact mainly northern Pakistan, including approach restrictions at Islamabad International Airport.
As a result, Indian airlines suspended flights to at least 18 airports in the north, including Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Leh. Air India cancelled flights to nine cities, IndiGo to 11, and SpiceJet to six, according to the Press Trust of India.
While Pakistani airports such as Islamabad and Lahore remain open, restrictions are impacting both domestic and international operations. Airlines flying between Southeast Asia and Europe are now being forced to avoid the affected airspace, significantly altering flight paths and increasing travel times.
The airspace restrictions follow an April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-controlled Kashmir, initially claimed by a Pakistan-linked group. India retaliated with missile strikes on May 6, triggering the latest round of closures.
The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are expected as the regional security crisis continues to unfold.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com