Business Desk 
May 21, 2025
An IndiGo Airlines Airbus A320 aircraft is pictured parked at a gate at Mumbai airport in this undated image. — Reuters
In a follow-up to the brief war between Pakistan and India, a little over a week ago, the former has decided to further keep its airspace closed for Indian airlines for one month as tensions with the neighbouring nation seem to persist.
Pakistan has extended its airspace restriction for Indian airlines and cargo operations for one full month, Geo News reported, citing sources.
The decision follows the recent Pahalgam incident and geopolitical tensions, which have intensified after the brief yet eventful war between the two countries.
The airspace closure from Pakistan has caused notable disruptions for Indian passenger and cargo flights, particularly those destined for Europe, the US, Canada and other Western countries.
Between 200 to 300 Indian flights used to cross Pakistani airspace on a regular basis, many on longer routes from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, and Ahmedabad to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
With Pakistan's airspace restrictions in place, most Indian flights are currently being rerouted, requiring additional resources and time due to extended distances from their destinations.
Pakistan's airspace cessation has resulted in an estimated loss of Rs8 billion for Indian airlines in the wake of surcharging for excessive stopovers, fuel costs and other added expenses.
