A Ukraine-bound Delhi plane entered into Pakistan’s airspace today.
Lahore (Pakistan Point News – 22nd May, 2019) In another goodwill gesture, Pakistan has opened its airspace for India.
The Pakistani airspace has been opened for India after 86 days.
A Ukraine-bound Delhi plane entered into Pakistan’s airspace today. A Boeing 767 airplane of Ukraine International flight 392 landed in Ukraine after passing through Pakistan’s airspace.
The Ukrainian plane was 27,749 high in the Pakistani airspace. This is for the first time in 86 days that an airplane from India crossed Pakistan’s airspace.
It is to be seen if further flights from India are allowed to use Pakistan’s airspace.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani authorities have decided to extend the ban on the use of its airspace for Indian commercial flights until May 30.
According to the unnamed official, this decision does not exclude the possibility of extending the ban in the future.
In February, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced closure of the country's airspace for commercial flights. The decision was taken after the Pakistani army downed two Indian military jets that had crossed the Line of Control in disputed Kashmir region.
Relations between India and Pakistan have taken a turn for the worst earlier this year. Tensions soared after a deadly attack in Kashmir on February 14, when a suicide bomber attacked an Indian security convoy, killing over 40 personnel. The attack was later claimed by Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed. The tragedy led to heightened tensions between the two South Asian neighbors and air raids exchange.
India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting the militants and having a "direct hand" in the Kashmir incident. Pakistan, however, has rejected all allegations.
