India Restricts Airspace Access for Pakistani Aircraft Until Late May
Reported by Akshata Pawar
New Delhi, 1st May 2025: In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has imposed a ban on Pakistani aircraft entering its airspace. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on April 30, 2025, restricts access for all aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani entities—including military aircraft.
The restriction came into effect at 18:30 UTC on April 30 and will remain in force until 23:59 UTC on May 23, 2025.
According to NOTAM ID G0510/25, the ban applies across all major Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in India: Delhi (VIDF), Mumbai (VABF), Kolkata (VECF), and Chennai (VOMF). The restriction covers the entire Indian airspace, from ground level to unlimited altitude. The geographic coordinates specified in the notice are 28°34′N, 077°07′E.
The NOTAM explicitly states that Indian airspace is unavailable to:
- Aircraft registered in Pakistan
- Aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines or entities
- Pakistani military aircraft
The move is expected to affect cross-border aviation, potentially leading to flight rerouting or cancellations for Pakistani carriers. It also signals rising diplomatic tensions in the region.
This is not the first time geopolitical developments have led to such airspace restrictions. Similar bans in the past have significantly impacted regional air traffic and airline operations.
The situation remains fluid, with aviation and diplomatic authorities closely monitoring developments. Further updates are expected as the NOTAM’s expiration date approaches.
