Pakistan has announced a complete closure of its airspace to Indian flights, suspended bilateral trade, and cancelled all visas issued to Indian nationals. The sweeping measures follow India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the expulsion of Pakistani military advisors earlier this week.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan issued a formal NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) late Wednesday night, stating that no Indian-registered civil or military aircraft will be allowed to enter Pakistani airspace. The ban also applies to leased or operated aircraft under Indian control and is effective for an initial period of one month, with a possible extension.
“Indian aircraft will not be permitted to use Pakistani airspace. This includes all overflight, transit, and landing permissions,” the CAA said.
Daily Flights in Disarray
The move disrupts 70 to 100 Indian overflights per day, mostly between India and destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia. Affected carriers include:
-
Air India
-
IndiGo
-
SpiceJet
-
Air India Express
-
Akasa Air
Aviation experts estimate that additional flight times of up to two hours and detours over the Arabian Sea or Central Asia could cost Indian airlines millions of rupees per day.
Trade Suspended, Visas Cancelled
In addition to the airspace ban, Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has suspended all bilateral trade with India, halting the movement of goods across both land and sea routes. This is expected to affect shipments of pharmaceuticals, textiles, agricultural products, and machinery.
Simultaneously, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has cancelled all valid visas issued to Indian citizens, including business, tourism, and diplomatic categories. No new visa applications will be processed “until further notice.”
“These decisions reflect our firm response to India’s aggression and unlawful suspension of international treaties,” a senior Pakistani official told Express News.
Why Now?
The decisions come just days after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan’s alleged involvement in a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. India also expelled all Pakistani military advisors and closed the Attari border crossing, effectively freezing bilateral diplomacy.
Pakistan’s response is seen as a strategic countermeasure aimed at increasing pressure on India without resorting to military escalation. The coordinated suspension of airspace, trade, and people-to-people ties signals a severe breakdown in bilateral relations.
What’s at Stake
-
Economic Costs: Indian airlines now face higher fuel and maintenance expenses. Pakistani exporters—especially in agriculture and textiles—stand to lose Indian markets.
-
People-to-People Impact: Families, students, and cross-border couples are left in limbo as visas are revoked and communication halts.
-
Diplomatic Fallout: The move could invite intervention or mediation by international actors such as the UN, the World Bank, or the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Regional Ramifications
Experts warn the standoff could spill into wider regional instability if dialogue is not resumed. Both countries possess nuclear capabilities, and water, trade, and airspace are now being weaponized in a dangerous geopolitical chess game.
“The breakdown of these channels—airspace, trade, and people-to-people ties—means we’re no longer even pretending to be at peace,” said Dr. Asma Qureshi, a South Asia security analyst.
With diplomatic ties unraveling at unprecedented speed, the region faces a critical moment. The next steps—whether conciliatory or confrontational—will shape the trajectory of India-Pakistan relations for years to come.
Related stories:
What Is the Indus Waters Treaty—And Why Is India Suspending It Now?
