India has closed its airspace to all aircraft operated or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators in retaliation for an earlier such move taken by Pakistan against Indian airlines.

According to NOTAM G0510/25, the restriction is in force starting on April 30, 2025, at 1830Z, until at least May 23.

The decision affects a limited number of flights, as Pakistani scheduled carriers have a very limited eastbound network. Flag carrier PIA - Pakistan International Airlines started bypassing India voluntarily on its services to Kuala Lumpur International before the NOTAM was issued, adding about three hours of flight time each way.

The escalation began after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam in India-controlled Kashmir, which was initially claimed by a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. India took a number of retaliatory steps against Pakistan, including revoking all visas and suspending the Indus Water Treaty. In response, Pakistan banned all trade with India and forbade airlines from that country from crossing its airspace.

While the Indian ban on Pakistani airlines has limited operational consequences, Indian airlines have been severely affected by the Pakistani decision. Air India had to add a number of fuel stops in Europe to its North American routes due to longer flight paths.