New Delhi, May 1: India has imposed a comprehensive ban on all Pakistani-registered aircraft, military and civilian, from entering its airspace, in a sharp escalation of hostilities with Pakistan. The directive, effective from midnight of April 30–May 1, will remain in force until at least May 23, 2025, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued late Tuesday night.
The tit-for-tat move comes exactly a week after Islamabad blocked Indian carriers from overflying its territory, effectively cutting bilateral aerial connectivity. This latest ban underscores a significant deterioration in Indo-Pakistani relations and serves as both a diplomatic and military signal.
“No aircraft registered in Pakistan, or owned, operated, or leased by any Pakistani airline or operator, including military flights permitted to operate in Indian airspace for the duration of the NOTAM,” said a senior Indian aviation official, emphasizing the severity of the measure.
This escalation coincides with a recent uptick in ceasefire violations along the volatile Line of Control (LoC). Indian officials report unprovoked firing incidents initiated by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla and Kupwara districts since last weekend, allegedly violating the fragile 2021 ceasefire pact.
India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) formally conveyed New Delhi’s “strong concern” during a hotline exchange on Tuesday. While Indian forces have responded “in a measured manner,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly granted the armed forces “full freedom” to decide on an appropriate response, terming the matter one of “national resolve.”
The heightened tension follows the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Indian intelligence agencies have linked the attack to Pakistan-based groups, fueling widespread public anger and further straining official ties.
In response to the attack, India has undertaken a series of escalatory measures: suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari land crossing, scaling back diplomatic ties, and now enforcing the airspace ban.
Pakistan has retaliated by shutting its skies to Indian traffic and halting trade, including third-party commerce. It has also strongly condemned India’s suspension of water-sharing agreements, warning that any disruption to Indus water flows would be considered an “act of war.”
On the ground, tensions remain high. Pakistani firing has reportedly extended to the international border in the Pargwal sector. While no casualties have been reported, security forces remain on high alert along the western front.
As air corridors close and ceasefire violations persist, South Asia’s geopolitical environment grows increasingly volatile, with airspace now emerging as a dangerous new frontier in the Indo-Pak rivalry.
