Pakistan Again Denies Airspace Use To PM Modi; India Raises Issue At International Civil Aviation Organisation

After Pakistan negated India's request to allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special flight to use its air-space for his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, the Indian government has taken Pakistan to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), reports Deccan Herald.

Avoiding Pakistan’s airspace will lead to additional 45 minute to reach Riyadh by Air India One, the VVIP aircraft of the national carrier.

This is the second time the hostile neighbour has declined New Delhi’s request to allow Prime Minister’s special aircraft to fly over Pakistan. Earlier in September, Pakistan refused to let PM Modi use its airspace for his travel to the USA. Pakistan also didn't allow the Indian President use its airspace for travel to Iceland.

The ICAO charter provides that all nations should give over-flight clearances to the aircraft of other nations’ leaders, unless they were at war.

“Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action,” a source was quoted saying as per the reports.