Islamabad, August 10. The closure of Pakistan’s airspace for Indian aviation companies has resulted in a loss of Rs 4.1 billion for the Pakistan Airport Authority over two months, according to official data.

Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, Pakistan and India closed their respective airspaces to each other’s aviation companies.

The airspace restrictions were extended after military tensions further deteriorated relations between the two countries. On the night of May 6, India destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan under ‘Operation Sindoor’.

The Defense Ministry informed the National Assembly on Friday that the closure of airspace for India-registered aircraft caused a loss of Rs 4.1 billion to the Pakistan Airport Authority. The ministry stated that this loss occurred between April 24 and June 30.

It clarified that this amount reflects only a reduction in revenue, not the total loss. There have been no changes in airspace usage fees or aviation service charges. Pakistan’s airspace remains open to all except Indian aviation companies and aircraft.

Similarly, Indian airspace continues to prohibit entry to Pakistani aviation companies’ aircraft.

Pakistan Airport Authority

The **Pakistan Airport Authority**, more commonly known as the **Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan**, is a state-owned agency responsible for managing and regulating civil aviation and airports across Pakistan. Established in 1982, it oversees airport operations, air traffic control, and aviation safety, with major hubs like Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. The CAA plays a vital role in modernizing Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure and ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a picturesque hill station in the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, renowned for its stunning landscapes, lush meadows, and the Lidder River. Historically, it served as a shepherd’s village and later became a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims en route to the Amarnath Cave Temple. Today, it is a favored spot for trekking, golfing, and nature enthusiasts.

Kashmir

Kashmir is a picturesque region in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, known for its stunning landscapes, including the Himalayas, lush valleys, and serene lakes like Dal and Wular. Historically, it has been a center of culture, religion, and trade, with influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, particularly under the medieval Shah Mir dynasty and later Mughal rule. Today, it remains a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, with a rich but complex heritage marked by both natural beauty and political conflict.

National Assembly

The **National Assembly** is the legislative body of many countries, responsible for creating and passing laws. For example, France’s National Assembly, established during the French Revolution in 1789, is the lower house of Parliament, while South Korea’s National Assembly, founded in 1948, serves as its unicameral legislature. These institutions play a key role in democratic governance, representing the people’s will.

Operation Sindoor

“Operation Sindoor” refers to a controversial military operation conducted by the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka during the late 1980s, as part of the Indian intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War. The operation aimed to disarm militant groups, including the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), but resulted in heavy casualties and strained Indo-LTTE relations. It remains a significant and contentious chapter in the history of the conflict.