Pakistan takes u-turn, opens up its airspace in ‘peace gesture’
NEW DELHI: In what Indian diplomats view as a ‘peace-making gesture’ ahead of Pakistani PM Imran Khan’s US visit, Islamabad reversed its July 13 decision to further extend the closure of its airspace. India had opened its airspace entry and exit points for all flights using Pakistani airspace in end May.
Pakistan’s decision brings relief to Indian airlines, which lost around Rs 700 crore in the five months the airspace was closed, with flight times increasing by up to 90 minutes depending on the type of aircraft and the destination.
America’s United Airlines as well as Air Canada were among the global carriers that had suspended direct flights to India on account of the closed Pakistani airspace. Struggling Air India, which has the largest international network among Indian airlines, had suffered the bulk of the losses.
