India Retaliates: Bans All Pakistani Flights Now

New Delhi has responded to Pakistan’s recent airspace closure impacting Indian carriers with a reciprocal ban, effectively shutting down its airspace to all Pakistani aircraft. The move comes six days after Pakistan restricted its airspace to flights owned and operated by Indian companies, escalating tensions following a terrorist attack in Kashmir. This tit-for-tat action significantly disrupts regional air travel and further strains already fragile relations between the two nations. While understandable as a demonstration of resolve following a security incident, such reciprocal closures ultimately impact civilian travel and can hinder diplomatic efforts. The situation highlights the urgent need for de-escalation and a return to dialogue to prevent further disruption and ensure regional stability. The closures will likely force airlines to reroute flights, adding to costs and travel times, and potentially impacting connectivity for passengers throughout the region.