New Delhi: Pakistan has incurred losses of more than Rs 1,240 crore in just two months after shutting its airspace to Indian-registered aircraft, a move that slashed daily transit traffic by up to 150 flights.
The closure, in place since April 24, came in retaliation to India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
Heavy Hit to Overflying Revenue
According to Dawn, citing Pakistan’s Defence Ministry, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) lost PKR 4.1 billion in overflying revenue between April 24 and June 30. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif confirmed that the ban, affecting all aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Indian carriers, had caused a sharp drop in traffic.
With 100-150 Indian aircraft barred from Pakistani skies daily, overall transit air traffic fell by nearly 20 per cent. The PAA’s revenues from overflying charges suffered a direct hit, highlighting the financial strain of the politically charged move.
Ban Extended Till August 24
The restriction has now been extended, with a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) saying, “The ban will now remain in place until 4:59 am on August 24. Pakistani airspace not available for Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights.”
While Indian carriers remain unaffected on other international routes, Pakistani airlines continue to face reciprocal restrictions in Indian airspace. India’s Civil Aviation Minister of State confirmed that the NOTAM on the Indian side will also remain effective until August 23, 2025.
The airspace closure is one of several retaliatory measures following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking key terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir.
