Business Desk 
May 18, 2025
Pakistan has extended its airspace restriction against Indian airlines and cargo operations for the 22nd straight day, aviation sources told on Saturday.
The action comes after the recent Pahalgam incident and heightening tensions between Pakistan and India.
The shutdown has created drastic disruptions for Indian passenger and cargo flights, particularly those bound for Europe, the US, Canada and other Western countries.
Most of these flights are now being rerouted with multiple hours added to journey time and higher expenses.
Indian aviation experts put the financial loss at more than Rs5 billion to date. These losses are a result of increased fuel usage, longer flight durations and delayed cargo schedules.
"Flights now have to take significantly longer routes, adding between 2.5 to 3 hours to their total journey time," an official in the aviation department said to Geo News.
With Pakistani airspace out of bounds, freight transporters are encountering delays and increased fuel costs.
Indian exports to Europe or the Middle East are now taking long detours through other routes, putting additional pressure on logistics and delivery schedules.
The latest ban is amid increased political and military tensions after the Pahalgam attack two weeks ago.
Indian authorities are said to be negotiating with regional allies to seek temporary solutions. Yet, no confirmation has been given by Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority as yet regarding when or whether the airspace will be reopened for Indian airlines.
