India Bans Pakistan Airlines from Airspace Amid Rising Tensions After Pahalgam Attack
India on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, officially banned Pakistani airlines from using its airspace in response to escalating tensions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued, barring Pakistani carriers from flying over Indian territory.
The move marks a significant deterioration in bilateral relations, as both countries react to the deadly attack that shocked the nation.
U.S. Calls for Calm
The United States urged both India and Pakistan to avoid further escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for India’s fight against terrorism and encouraged both sides to prioritise regional peace and stability.
LIVE Updates – May 1, 2025
1:26 PM – SC Dismisses Plea for Judicial Probe into Pahalgam Attack
The Supreme Court declined a plea seeking a judicial inquiry into the Pahalgam terror attack. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court was not the appropriate forum to assess national security matters and dismissed the petition as withdrawn.
12:43 PM – Rajinikanth: “Modi a Fighter Who Will Bring Peace to J&K”
Actor Rajinikanth called the Pahalgam attack “barbaric and merciless,” expressing full confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Speaking at the inaugural WAVES Summit, he said, “PM Modi is a fighter. He will meet any challenge. He has proven it over the past decade.”
12:42 PM – Ashok Kumar: “A Solution Must Be Found”
Former hockey player Ashok Kumar, son of the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, condemned the attack and emphasised the need for a long-term solution to Indo-Pak hostilities. Reflecting on whether India should play Pakistan in the upcoming Hockey Asia Cup, he said, “At this moment, sport is secondary. We need peace for future generations.