Won’t Open Airspace For Commercial Flights Till Indian Fighters Remain At Forward Airbases: Pakistani Official

Pakistani Aviation Secretary Shahrukh Nusrat has informed that Pakistan won’t open its airspace for commercial flights until India withdraws its fighter jets stationed at forward IAF airbases, PTI has reported.

“Indian officials have been told that Indian airbases are still laden with fighter jets and Pakistan will not allow resumption of flight operations from India until their removal,” said Nusrat.

Pakistani airspace along its border with India has been closed since the 26 February airstrikes by IAF against terror bases in Balakot.

India meanwhile, has opened its airspace for Pakistani commercial flights to pass through since 31 May, with the IAF having announced the lifting of temporary restrictions. The Pakistani official, however, has contested this claim.

"Pakistani flights from Thailand have not been restored since the closure of the Indian airspace. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights for Malaysia also remain suspended," he said.

Pakistan had earlier pre-emptively opened its airspace to let Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi fly through on his way to Bishkek for the SCO summit despite no such request having being confirmed by the Indian officials. However, the Indian PM did not use the route preferring the route through Oman instead.