The tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated further with both nations extending their respective airspace closures for each other’s airlines. Today, India announced the continuation of its airspace ban for Pakistan-owned or Pakistan-operated airlines until June 23, 2025, a move that comes as retaliation for Pakistan’s similar extension for Indian carriers until June 24, 2025, which was also announced today.

Airspace ban from both countries

Pakistan’s airspace ban, which applies to “all aircraft registered, operated, owned, or leased by India” and includes Indian military aircraft, amplifies restrictions initially imposed last month. This tit-for-tat measure underscores the ongoing frost in diplomatic relations.

IndiGo controversy

The extensions follow a recent incident highlighting the lack of cooperation in challenging circumstances. Pakistan allegedly refused assistance to an Indian airline flight facing severe turbulence. The incident involved an IndiGo Airlines pilot on a Delhi-Srinagar flight on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, who sought permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) to briefly use Pakistani airspace to avoid a sudden hailstorm.

Sources quoted by PTI stated that the request was rejected. The IndiGo flight, carrying 227 passengers, was flying over Amritsar when the pilot encountered significant turbulence due to adverse weather. Despite the denial from Lahore ATC, the pilot continued on the original path, navigating severe turbulence.

The dramatic ordeal on Wednesday saw Flight 6E2142 battered by a hailstorm as it neared its destination. The pilot declared an emergency with Air Traffic Control but successfully landed the aircraft at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 PM. However, the mid-air turbulence caused visible damage to the aircraft’s nose and left passengers visibly shaken and in a state of panic.

The repeated airspace closures are having a significant impact on flight routes, increasing travel times and operational costs for airlines. With both nations digging in their heels, the prospect of a de-escalation appears dim, further complicating regional connectivity and raising concerns about potential miscalculations in an already volatile environment.

(With Reuters Inputs)