‍DALLAS — In a breakthrough toward defusing recent tensions along the borders, Pakistan reopened its airspace for all categories of flights on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after a ceasefire with India effective today. 

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) officially announced the development, which constituted an essential breakthrough in bringing back normalcy after weeks of increased military activities and a ban on flights in the country's airspace.

In a statement quoted by Eurasian Times, according to the PAA, "Pakistan's airspace has been fully reopened for all types of flights." This followed shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire, negotiated in response to escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Closure Imposed Amid Security Concerns

Pakistan had imposed a categorical airspace ban on Indian-registered flights, including government-owned Air India and private carriers, on April 24, 2025. The directive was issued through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), citing increased security risks because of cross-border military operations. This restriction kept Indian-operated flights from crossing Pakistani airspace, effectively impacting intra-regional air connectivity.

As a result, Indian airlines had to reroute their international flights, particularly those to North America, Europe, the UK, and the Middle East. The flights had to be longer diversions through the Arabian Sea or over Central Asia, which added more fuel cost, increased flight times, and operational inconvenience. Flag carrier Air India (AI) also issued warnings of delays, cautioning travelers about the possibility of increased journey times due to the new routes.

Some other Indian carriers, such as IndiGo (6E), also followed suit by temporarily suspending flights to destinations like Almaty and Tashkent through mid-June due to operational limits brought about by the closure of airspace.

Airspace Reopens After Ceasefire

Airspace restrictions were lifted moments after the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. A Livemint report confirmed that the PAA was announced as part of an effort to restore routine operations amid easing tensions.

"All airports in the country are open for regular flight operations. Passengers are advised to contact the concerned airline for the latest flight schedule," the PAA said, as per the agency report quoted by Livemint.

Restoring Pakistani airspace will ease the burden on airlines and relieve thousands of passengers impacted by the short-term ban. With regular air routes restored, carriers can resume optimal flight routes, reducing travel time and expenses.

Regional Implications

Pakistan's airspace closure and subsequent reopening highlight the tenuous nature of regional geopolitics and its direct effect on commercial aviation. The episode uncovers vulnerabilities in South Asia's aviation network, especially for Indian carriers that depend on western-bound overflights across Pakistan.

Although the reopening marks a return to normalcy, industry professionals and political observers warn that long-term stability will hinge on both countries' continued diplomatic efforts and restraint.

Pakistan has a total of 69 airports, including three major hubs in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Six additional medium-sized airports are located in Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Quetta, and Sukkur, while the remaining are classified as smaller airports.