Pakistan Loses ₹127 Crore in Overflight Revenue After Closing Airspace to India

Pakistan has lost nearly ₹127 crore in overflight revenue in just over two months since shutting its airspace to Indian aircraft following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Dawn reported.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence, the losses — recorded between April 24 and June 30 — reflect a drop in overflight revenue, not total financial losses, as aeronautical charges remain unchanged. The ministry said sovereignty and national defence outweighed economic considerations.

Islamabad closed its skies to all Indian carriers on April 24, warning that any diversion of water under the treaty would be treated as an “act of war.” The move cut Pakistan’s transit traffic by nearly 20%, the report said.

A similar closure in 2019, after India’s Balakot air strike, cost Pakistan about ₹235 crore in lost revenue. Both countries currently maintain reciprocal airspace bans — India has extended its restriction until August 23, while Pakistan’s is set to last until late August.