KKN Gurugram Desk | In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government is reportedly considering a comprehensive response against Pakistan that could include a complete ban on Pakistani aircraft using Indian airspace. If implemented, this would mark one of the most stringent airspace restrictions ever imposed between the two nations. Alongside this, India may also restrict the entry of Pakistani ships into Indian maritime zones.

These moves are part of a wider strategic and diplomatic response being deliberated at the highest levels in New Delhi following the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where Indian security personnel lost their lives in a terrorist ambush.

What Happened in Pahalgam?

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Anantnag district resulted in the death of multiple Indian Army personnel. According to intelligence sources, the ambush bore the hallmarks of Pakistani-backed terror outfits, reviving fears of cross-border militancy in the region.

The incident has triggered national outrage and pushed security and diplomatic agencies to revisit existing policy approaches toward Pakistan.

India’s Possible Response: Airspace Ban on Pakistan

One of the most serious countermeasures being evaluated is a complete closure of Indian airspace to Pakistani airlines. This step would prevent Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other commercial or cargo carriers from flying over Indian territory — severely impacting Pakistan’s aviation sector, which often uses Indian airspace to connect with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Strategic Implications:

• Increased fuel and operational costs for PIA and other carriers

• Potential flight cancellations or detours for popular routes

• Diplomatic escalation at the international level

This would not be the first time such action has been taken. In 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack and Balakot airstrikes, both India and Pakistan shut their respective airspaces temporarily, resulting in significant financial losses to their aviation sectors.

Maritime Restrictions May Also Be Enforced

Beyond airspace, sources suggest India is also considering the suspension of access for Pakistani commercial ships into Indian waters. This includes both cargo vessels and fishing trawlers, especially those operating near the Gujarat coastline.

This could impact bilateral trade, maritime security, and movement across the Arabian Sea corridor.

Legal and Diplomatic Grounds for the Action

The proposed bans fall within India’s sovereign rights under international aviation and maritime conventions, particularly:

• The Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (India can restrict airspace for national security)

• The UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) for maritime regulation

India is expected to formally notify the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and allied global entities if such restrictions are put into place.

Past Precedents: When India Blocked Pakistani Flights

• 2019 (Post-Balakot): India blocked Pakistani carriers for several days; Pakistan retaliated similarly.

• 1999 (Kargil War): Flights were restricted amid military conflict.

• 2001 (Parliament Attack): India stopped overflight permissions briefly as part of a diplomatic downgrade.

These actions have shown that airspace restrictions can act as both a security and diplomatic tool.

Pakistan’s Likely Reaction

While there has been no official response yet from Islamabad, such a move is likely to trigger a sharp diplomatic backlash. In the past, Pakistan has also reacted with reciprocal bans and airspace closures, leading to region-wide aviation disruption.

Moreover, Pakistan may approach international forums like the ICAO to lodge complaints and seek intervention or mediation.

Public and Political Reactions in India

The demand for tough action against Pakistan has intensified across political and public circles in India following the Pahalgam incident. Political leaders across party lines have urged the government to:

• Withdraw airspace and maritime access

• Cut trade ties further

• Isolate Pakistan at the international level

Social media platforms have also seen widespread calls for economic, diplomatic, and strategic pressure on Pakistan.

Impact on Regional and Global Flights

Should India enforce the ban:

• Flights from Pakistan to Southeast Asia and Far East will have to take longer detours via Iran or China

• Increased flight time and fuel consumption

• Cargo delays between Pakistan and several international destinations

This would not only hurt Pakistan but also affect airlines operating in the region, although the primary brunt will be borne by PIA and Pakistani cargo carriers.

India’s Larger Strategy: Isolating Pakistan?

India has been actively working in recent years to:

• Reduce bilateral trade volume

• Oppose Pakistan-based terror support at global platforms like FATF and UN

• Build strategic ties with Middle Eastern, ASEAN, and Western nations

This possible move to restrict air and sea access is part of this comprehensive isolation strategy that aims to economically and diplomatically pressurize Pakistan to take action against terror networks operating on its soil.

Military Readiness and Security Alert

Post-Pahalgam, Indian security forces have been placed on high alert, especially along the Line of Control (LoC) and international borders. The government is also monitoring airspace violations, drone surveillance, and coastal movements.

Will the Airspace Ban Be Permanent?

Analysts believe that if imposed, the ban may initially be:

• Temporary, subject to review every few weeks

• Conditional, based on Pakistan’s response to India’s security and diplomatic demands

• Partial or phased, targeting certain aircraft types or routes

However, if Pakistan fails to act on India’s demands or escalates the situation further, the restrictions could become indefinite or even extend to broader diplomatic measures.

What Next?

The Indian Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by the Prime Minister, is expected to finalize the decision in the coming days. In the meantime:

• Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) may be issued to airlines

• Maritime advisories could be released to ports

• International diplomatic channels are being informed discreetly

India’s consideration of a full airspace ban on Pakistani aircraft, and possibly even maritime restrictions, signals a clear and assertive shift in New Delhi‘s posture following the latest terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. If these actions are implemented, it would not only disrupt Pakistan’s connectivity and trade routes but also serve as a powerful geopolitical message.