Pakistan on Wednesday extended the restrictions on its airspace for commercial flights till at least Thursday in the latest sign of heightened tensions with India. Islamabad’s move, along with other factors, have caused flight disruptions for both domestic and foreign airlines operating in India.
A Pakistani civil aviation official, requesting anonymity, said that talks were on with the government to lift the restrictions. “There are many agencies involved here (in the decision making process). Once we get a clearance we will open the air space for all international flights,” he said over the phone from Islamabad. However, he did not say how long the restrictions would continue.
The closure of Pakistan’s airspace followed the raid by Indian Air Force jets on a terrorist training camp at Balakot, Pakistan, on 26 February.