India Shows No Leniency: Pakistani Flights Barred from Indian Airspace Until June 23
India has once again demonstrated its firm stance against cross-border terrorism by extending the ban on Pakistani aircraft from using Indian airspace. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, all flights registered, operated, leased, or run by Pakistani operators—civilian or military—will continue to face a complete airspace blockade until June 23, 2025.
This decision comes at a time of heightened military and diplomatic tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, especially following India’s assertive response under Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist bases across the border.
A Direct Response to Rising Hostilities
The extension of the no-entry order is not a standalone measure. It follows a series of calculated responses by India to Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
The ban, initially implemented after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, has now become a symbol of India’s zero-tolerance policy. On May 7, under Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force launched precision strikes against terror launchpads inside Pakistan, asserting its right to self-defense and national security.
The airspace ban, a direct fallout of these events, restricts not just military but also civilian flights, severely impacting connectivity and bilateral logistics.
Pakistan’s Reciprocation and Diplomatic Fallout
Interestingly, this move mirrors Pakistan’s own extension of airspace restrictions for Indian flights, which was imposed on April 23, 2025, and is also valid for an additional month. While this tit-for-tat may appear symmetrical, the underlying causes are steeped in deep-rooted grievances and security concerns.
India’s Strong Diplomatic Countermeasures
The airspace ban is just one of the many measures India has rolled out in recent weeks:
Closure of the Attari-Wagah Integrated Check Post
India has shut down one of the most vital land links with Pakistan, halting trade and people-to-people movement entirely.
Visa Suspensions and Evictions
All visas granted to Pakistani nationals have been revoked, and those currently residing in India with valid documents have been asked to leave immediately. The SAARC visa exemption scheme has also been put on indefinite hold.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
In what may be the most significant blow to diplomatic ties, India has suspended its commitments under the Indus Water Treaty, a historic agreement that governs the sharing of river waters. The Indian government has made it clear that no further talks on this matter will occur until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
Why This Matters: More Than Just Airspace
This isn’t merely an airspace issue—it’s about national sovereignty and countering terrorism. The measures taken reflect the growing frustration within India over the lack of accountability and action from Pakistan in curbing terror outfits operating within its borders.
The ban is symbolic, yes, but also strategic. By blocking airspace, India not only restricts logistical movement but also sends a clear message to the global community: national security is non-negotiable.
Human Costs and Regional Instability
While governments take stern actions, it is the ordinary people—traders, families separated by borders, students, and patients—who face the brunt. Thousands of visas now stand cancelled, and long-standing cultural and familial exchanges have come to a standstill.
Yet, for many in India, the steps are justified. After repeated provocations, citizens are demanding a tougher stance and long-term solutions, not short-term diplomacy.
What Lies Ahead?
With both nations tightening their airspace and shutting down diplomatic and economic routes, regional peace hangs in the balance. India’s current approach appears to be one of strategic containment and international signaling. Until Pakistan takes verifiable steps to eliminate terrorism from its soil, India seems poised to maintain its firm line.
