Six days after Pakistan's response to close its airspace to Indian carriers, the nation's capital, New Delhi, announced a reciprocal measure by barring all aircraft owned and operated by Pakistan from using its airspace. India and Pakistan have both imposed airspace restrictions on each other's airlines, effective until 11:59 pm UTC on May 23 (which is 5:29 am IST on May 24). These restrictions could be updated as the date approaches. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by New Delhi stated, "Indian airspace not available to Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Pakistan airlines. These include military flights."

Amid growing tensions following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed by gunmen linked to Pakistan, India has officially barred Pakistani flights from using its airspace. The attack, believed to be religiously driven, occurred shortly after a provocative speech by Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir.

Relations between the two nations, already fragile, have worsened further, and with fears of possible Indian military retaliation, Pakistani airlines have already been avoiding Indian airspace. However, with India’s formal ban now in place, even if Pakistani carriers wanted to use Indian skies, they no longer can. As a result, Pakistani flights heading to Southeast Asia and Oceania must now take longer alternate routes. This will extend flight times and place substantial financial strain on Pakistan’s already struggling airlines.

India has responded to the situation with several decisive diplomatic actions, such as placing the Indus Waters Treaty in "abeyance", voicing Pakistan’s military diplomats at its High Commission as "persona non grata", shutting down all border crossings, and cancelling all visas previously issued to Pakistani citizens. In response, Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, has also taken steps, including halting all trade with India, closing its airspace to Indian flights, and invoking the right to suspend "all bilateral pacts, including the Simla Agreement".

Meanwhile, Pakistan is growing increasingly anxious about a possible Indian military strike, as India has vowed to act against those behind the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. The Indian leadership has promised to pursue the terrorists and their supporters to the "ends of the Earth" and punish them "beyond their imagination".