Pahalgam fallout: India closes airspace to Pakistani carriers

India on Wednesday issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), effectively banning Pakistani airlines from using its airspace, reports Press Trust of India.

The move comes amid escalating tensions with Pakistan after the recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which is in India-administered Kashmir.

This decision mirrors Pakistan's earlier action, taken a week ago, when it barred Indian carriers from flying through its airspace amid rising regional friction.

In a parallel development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended all commercial flights to and from the northern regions of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Gilgit and Skardu, citing security concerns. 

As reported by Urdu daily Jang, two flights each from Karachi and Lahore to Skardu were cancelled, along with two from Islamabad to Skardu and four to Gilgit.

The Express Tribune noted that Pakistani authorities have intensified monitoring of their airspace and placed all airports on high alert. Enhanced security and surveillance protocols have been rolled out nationwide.

Officials from both countries have characterized the measures as precautionary, aimed at safeguarding national airspace during this period of heightened regional tension.