As told by the Foreign Ministry on June 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft won’t fly over Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO Summit scheduled for tomorrow.
“The Government of India had explored two options for the route to be taken by the VVIP Aircraft to Bishkek. A decision has now been taken that the VVIP Aircraft will fly via Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries on the way to Bishkek.” a Foreign Ministry Official addressed the media.
On June 10, Pakistan decided to allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft to fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he had to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on 13-14 June.
In the past too, Pakistan had given special permission to India’s former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21, 2019.
Pak Airspace Shut Since February
Pakistan had shut down its airspace on February 27 after the Indian Air Force’s air-strike on the terror camps in Balakot.
Pakistan has opened only 2 out of 11 routes, both of which pass through South Pakistan.
On June 9, India had requested Pakistan to let PM Modi’s aircraft fly over its airspace. The request was accepted the next day, on June 10 by Pakistan.
The Indian Air Force on May 31 lifted all temporary restrictions imposed on the Indian airspace in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrike in the hope that Pakistan will reciprocate the gesture.
Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been the most affected.
Flights flying over Pakistani airspace have been disrupted since February 27 due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. This has resulted in longer flying routes and increased flying time.
