“With immediate effect Pakistan airspace is open for all type of civil traffic on published ATS routes”
– Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan
It took Islamabad five months to reopen their Air Space to civilian traffic causing an international mayhem. Pakistan had on February 26 fully closed its airspace following the actions of Indian Air Force inside Pakistani airspace.
#Pakistan reopens its #airspace for all type of civil traffic https://t.co/Vp0xr064C2 @official_pcaa
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 16, 2019
The restriction had caused major losses to all Indian carriers. While Air India lost ₹491 crore till July 2 because of flight path diversions, SpiceJet lost ₹ 30.73 Crore, IndiGo lost 25.1 crore and GoAir lost ₹2.1 crore.
The announcement came hours after United Airlines said it was extending the suspension of its flights from the United States to Delhi and Mumbai in India until October 26, citing continued restrictions of Pakistani airspace.
India has welcomed the news, with Indian Ministry of Civil aviation announcing the same.
After cancellation of NOTAMS by Pakistan and India in the early hours today , there are no restrictions on airspaces of both countries, flights have started using the closed air routes, bringing a significant relief for airlines. @AAI_Official @airindiain @HardeepSPuri
— Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) July 16, 2019
