- By Yashashvi Tak
- Fri, 23 May 2025 08:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Indian Air Force confirmed that Lahore ATC denied IndiGo flight 6E 214 permission to use Pakistani airspace for an emergency landing. The pilot of IndiGo’s Delhi-Srinagar flight on Wednesday had requested permission from ATC to enter Pakistani airspace to avoid turbulence caused by a sudden hailstorm. Additionally, Pakistan on Friday extended the closure of its airspace to Indian flights until June 24, according to a new NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority.
On the incident involving IndiGo flight 6E 214, Indian Air Force (IAF) Sources said, "NOTAM A0220/25 issued by Pakistani Civil Aviation Authorities was in vogue up to 23 May 25 midnight (2359 hrs), which mentions "Pakistan airspace is not available for Indian registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights." Northern Area Control advised the Indigo crew within the frame of the NOTAM(which is also a regular planning feature for all airlines in their route planning), ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers."
Indian Air Force confirms that Lahore ATC denied IndiGo flight 6E 214 permission to use Pakistan airspace
— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2025
On the incident involving IndiGo flight 6E 214, Indian Air Force (IAF) Sources say, "NOTAM A0220/25 issued by Pakistani Civil Aviation Authorities was in vogue upto 23 May… https://t.co/qrkNUUgqFr
"The aircraft was immediately assisted in coordinating their route diversion by contacting Delhi Area and passing the requisite contact frequencies of Lahore control for an overflight weather diversion request. Once Lahore refused overflight clearance, and the aircraft proceeded towards Srinagar, the flight was subsequently professionally assisted till a safe landing at Srinagar airfield by giving control vectors and groundspeed readouts."
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that on May 21, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E-2142 (Delhi–Srinagar), an A321 Neo (VT-IMD), encountered severe turbulence and hailstorm near Pathankot at 36,000 feet. The crew’s requests to deviate due to weather were denied by both Indian and Pakistani authorities. Unable to return safely, the aircraft flew through the storm, triggering multiple warnings and losing autopilot. The crew manually flew the aircraft, declared a PAN PAN, and landed safely in Srinagar. No injuries were reported, but the nose radome was found damaged.
Pakistan Extanted Closure Of Its Airspace For India Till June 24
The extension complies with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules, which limit such airspace closures to one month at a time.
"The ban on Indian aircraft flying over Pakistan airspace has been extended until 4:59 am June 24, 2025," the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said in a statement here.
All Indian-registered, operated, owned, or leased aircraft will continue to be subject to the ban, according to the PAA statement.
"This ban will also apply to Indian military aircraft. No flight operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to use Pakistani airspace," the statement said.
“Under the directive, no flight operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to enter or transit through Pakistani airspace," the PAA said.
Pakistan banned its airspace for Indian aircraft last month following measures taken by New Delhi in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives. The ban was initially imposed for one month, until May 23, in accordance with ICAO rules that limit such restrictions to a month at a time.
The one-month extension of the airspace closure comes two days after an IndiGo pilot on a Delhi-Srinagar flight, which encountered a sudden hailstorm on Wednesday, requested permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to briefly enter Pakistani airspace to avoid turbulence. The request, however, was denied.
