IndiGo Flight Forced to Reroute as Pakistan Bars Indian Aircraft from Airspace
Reported by Akshata Pawar
New Delhi, 23rd May 2025: The Indian Air Force has issued a clarification regarding the incident involving IndiGo flight 6E-2142 on May 21, 2025, following recent statements by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to official sources, a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) — A0220/25 — issued by the Pakistani Civil Aviation Authority, was in effect until 23:59 hrs on May 23, 2025. The notice clearly stated that Pakistan’s airspace was closed to all Indian-registered aircraft and any aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines or operators, including military flights.
In adherence to this directive, the Northern Area Control promptly informed the IndiGo flight crew about the restriction during routine flight planning, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.
When the flight required a route diversion due to adverse weather, Delhi Area Control immediately stepped in, providing the relevant contact frequencies for Lahore Air Traffic Control in an effort to obtain overflight clearance.
However, after Lahore ATC denied the request, the aircraft was redirected toward Srinagar. Throughout the diversion, the flight was continuously supported with control vectors and groundspeed updates to ensure a safe landing at Srinagar airfield.
The Indian Air Force reiterated that all measures were conducted in full compliance with international aviation protocols, with passenger safety as the top priority.
