In a dramatic diplomatic and strategic act, India on Wednesday issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), prohibiting all Pakistan-registered and military planes from flying into Indian airspace. The ban, from April 30 to May 23, 2025, comes on the heels of increased border tensions and ceasefire breaches following the recent terror attack at Pahalgam.
India Retaliates After Pakistan’s Ban on Indian Flights
This move follows six days after Pakistan also imposed an identical ban, shutting down its airspace to all Indian-operated flights. India’s action, which has been termed reciprocal, marks the heightened confrontation between the two countries.
As ceasefire breaches continue on the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian Army has stepped up its retaliation, raining “precision and force” on Pakistani positions. Official sources established that Pakistani forces have allegedly left behind several forward posts in locations like Naushera, Sunderbani, Akhnoor, Baramulla, and Kupwara.
“Following repeated unprovoked firing from the Pakistani side across the LoC and International Border, the Indian Army has responded with “precision and force,'” sources stated.
In a rare twist, Pakistani Rangers have also pulled down national flags from some posts — a symbolic move that indicates weakened morale and a strategic retreat in the face of growing Indian countermeasures.
Pakistan Declares Temporary No-Fly Zone
At an earlier time this week, Pakistan issued a NOTAM over its capital, Islamabad, and Lahore through to May 2, allegedly fearing an Indian aerial strike. The restriction, imposed on both civilian and military flights, tends to indicate an expectation of military action or impending war.
LoC Situation Remains Tense
Military experts opine that Pakistan’s NOTAM and India’s rapid retaliatory measures indicate the unstable security dynamics along the LoC. Even as tensions escalate, Indian defence forces are intent on sustaining operational preparedness and avoiding escalation beyond proportionate retaliation.
India, while firmly reacting to provocations, has reaffirmed its intention to uphold peace but with force. “Any cross-border hostility will be met with decisive action,” a top security official stated.
As events progress, intelligence and military agencies from both sides keep a close watch on the LoC.
