India plans to cut airspace, port access to Pakistan following Pahalgam terror attack

Following the Pakistan sponsored Pahalgam terror attack that took 28 lives, India has initiated a series of retaliatory measures. Among the first steps was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing water-sharing agreement between the two countries. In response, Pakistan denied India the use of its airspace for commercial aviation.

Now, reports indicate that a trade war may be extended, as India considers further action – including banning the use of Indian airspace by Pakistani aircraft. 

This move could have a significant impact on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which regularly uses Indian routes for flights to Singapore, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, and other Southeast Asian destinations. Restricting this airspace could result in major financial losses for Pakistan’s national carrier and would increase the airfares for Pakistanis.

In addition, Indian authorities are reportedly planning to block Pakistani ships from accessing Indian ports, a move that could severely disrupt Pakistan’s trade routes and deal a blow to its already fragile economy.

India has also issued a directive for all SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) visa holders from Pakistan to leave the country, warning that those who fail to comply will face a fine of ₹3 lakh, imprisonment, or both.

Notably, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had previously banned Pakistan’s airlines from 2020 to 2024 due to security concerns.