https://arab.news/9m64c
- The ban was first imposed in April amid heightened tensions over an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir
- Rerouting flights has raised costs, with Air India estimating about $600 million in annual additional expenses
KARACHI: Pakistan on Thursday extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until Nov. 24, according to an official notification, as tensions remain high between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since they fought an intense four-day war in May that killed at least 70 people in both countries.
The restriction was first imposed on Apr. 24 as part of a series of tit-for-tat measures announced by both India and Pakistan, days after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad.
Pakistani authorities denied any involvement, calling for a transparent international probe into the attack that killed 26 tourists. However, India targeted several sites in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, triggering intense missile, drone and artillery exchanges before a US-brokered ceasefire was announced on May 10.
“Pakistan airspace not available for Indian registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned or leased by Indian airlines/operators,” read an official Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
This is the sixth time Pakistan has extended the ban, which has forced Indian airlines to reroute flights, increasing fuel consumption, travel times and operating costs.
Air India, which operates numerous flights to Europe and North America, estimated in May the airspace ban could lead to about $600 million in additional expenses over the course of a year and requested compensation from the Indian government.