(Commonwealth_India) India has temporarily suspended 25 international flight corridors that typically utilize its airspace to cross into Pakistan. Initiated at around 2:30 p.m., the suspension will remain in place until 5:30 a.m. on May 10. This significant measure reflects increasing geopolitical friction in the region and forms part of a broader response strategy involving both airspace regulation and military readiness following recent counterterrorism operations by Indian forces.
The suspension follows precision military strikes launched by India in the early hours of Wednesday. These strikes were directed at nine locations identified as terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The action is considered a direct retaliation to the terrorist attack that occurred on April 21 in Jammu and Kashmir, which led to the loss of multiple lives and provoked a strong national and governmental response. In the days that followed, India took steps to downgrade diplomatic relations with Pakistan. In return, Pakistan issued a restriction on its airspace to all Indian carriers and aircraft registered in India on April 24.
India’s response extended beyond international air corridors. Operations have been temporarily halted at 18 airports across the northern and western regions of the country. These include major strategic and civilian airports such as those in Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, and Pathankot—locations situated near sensitive borders. Additionally, airports in Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Thoise, Ludhiana, and Bhuntar are also affected. Though smaller in scale, many of these airports support vital regional transport and military logistics.
Officials have confirmed that the flight restrictions are comprehensive and affect not just Indian airlines but also foreign operators. Officials are now rerouting or delaying flights that would normally travel through Indian airspace to access Pakistani airspace. This has already begun to disrupt international air travel, especially for airlines operating between Europe and Southeast Asia, which often rely on these airways for the most direct routes.
The aviation industry is facing operational challenges as carriers are forced to adjust flight plans, leading to extended routes, increased fuel consumption, and longer travel times. Analysts have cautioned that should these restrictions remain or intensify, the impact could ripple through global air travel networks and logistics systems.
Experts in aviation safety view India’s decision as a prudent safeguard in a tense environment where misidentification of aircraft could have serious consequences. Mark D. Martin, CEO of the aviation advisory firm Martin Consulting, stated that the shutdown of these corridors was a calculated decision to prevent any possibility of civilian aircraft being mistaken for military assets during periods of heightened alert. He advised that all categories of aircraft, including cargo, private, and commercial, avoid airspace near contentious zones such as the India-Pakistan border.
The decision aligns with a broader trend of caution among global airlines. Several international carriers had already begun modifying their flight paths even before India’s official announcement. Notably, members of the Lufthansa Group—including SWISS and ITA Airways—along with Qatar Airways, had taken steps to steer clear of Pakistani airspace. These proactive measures reflect the wider apprehension in the international aviation community about navigating skies over politically sensitive regions.
India’s move to shut down vital air corridors and limit airport operations signals a clear intent to prioritize civilian safety while maintaining control of national airspace during a period of elevated military activity. While the government has emphasized that these are temporary steps, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and may update or extend the restrictions as necessary. The evolving dynamics require continued attention from airlines, passengers, and global aviation stakeholders alike, as regional security concerns remain fluid.
