Indian High Commission has formally requested Pakistani Authorities to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi fly through its airspace. New Delhi’s request to allow PM Modi’s plane to fly over Pakistan on 13th June en-route to Kyrgyzstan is under consideration.
The world leaders, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, are scheduled to visit Bishkek (capital of Kyrgyzstan) to attend the meeting of Shanghai Corporation Organization (SCO) on 13th and 14th June.
Earlier this month, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) extended the Airspace ban on its Eastern border till 14th June 2359 UTC for all commercial flights.
A similar request was made by Indian authorities on May 21st for the Ex-foreign minister Sushma Swaraj to overfly Pakistan for SCO meeting at the same venue. The minister was granted special permission by the Pakistani government.
PCAA Continues to Suffer Losses
As the airspace ban continues, concerns within CAA are growing. The revenues have plummeted as CAA’s main source of income (providing navigation services to en-route flights) has been choked. The nominal charges for domestic flights have already been waived off.
Air India and IndiGo Desperate for Airspace Ban Lift
Indian Airlines and their passengers have suffered the most due to this ban. According to reports, the air cargo between Afghanistan and India has also dropped significantly. PIA flights to far-east have also been affected while Indian airlines are suffering billions in losses each month.
