New Delhi, India – May 1, 2021:
In a sudden escalation of regional tensions, India has closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines, the government announced Wednesday. The decision to ban Indian carriers from using Pakistani airspace was made shortly after a tragic incident in Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives.
The ban, which was announced in a notice to airmen (notam), will be in effect from April 30 to May 23, exacerbating the strain on aviation and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The tit-for-tat restrictions are a response to a terror attack in Kashmir, which Indian authorities have attributed to militants based in Pakistan. The attack has reignited longstanding tensions between the two countries, particularly over the disputed region of jammu and kashmir.
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The airspace restrictions are anticipated to result in flight delays, longer routes, and higher expenses for airlines operating in the area. International airlines might have to change their flight paths, which could impact the connections between south asia and other major global airports.
Experts in international relations caution that if both parties do not ease tensions, these limitations could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and politics.
