Question : Air Space Restriction by Pakistan

(a) whether the partial airspace restriction imposed by Pakistan in its present form only requires its flights to make a 12 minutes detour and hence does not have much impact and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has challenged Pakistan’s said restriction before the appropriate authorities and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether the Government has received any communication from International Civil Aviation Organisation in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

The Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)

(a) Every country, depending on its operational/defence needs, closes or imposes restriction on Civil Flights in particular segments of air routes/air spaces,which are notified in advance in accordance with international practices mandated by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); Pakistan does notify temporary airspace closures from time to time vide NOTAM (Notice to Airmen). At present, there are 02 NOTAMs active in Pakistan regarding International route restrictions which will be in force on 04th and 05th December, 2019 for 03 hours and 04 hours respectively. This Airspace closure by Pakistan has negligible impact.

(b) & (c) : No Sir.