Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US&nbsp;military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation." 
 
Venezuela, whose socialist government is under heavy sanctions from Washington, has on several occasions in recent years reported alleged airspace violations. 
 
It said that on Thursday evening, a C-17 plane from the US&nbsp;Air Force flew over the Perija mountains in western Zulia state for three minutes. 
 
"They are performing reconnaissance tasks on Venezuelan geophysical space, and thus we do not rule out other possible hostile actions that violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Venezuelan armed forces said in a statement. 
 
The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington accuses President Nicolas Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging his 2018 re-election, and has pressured him to step down.

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation.

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation." Venezuela, whose socialist government is under heavy sanctions from Washington, has on several occasions in recent years reported alleged airspace violations. It said that on Thursday evening, a C-17 plane from the US Air Force flew over the Perija mountains in western Zulia state for three minutes. "They are performing reconnaissance tasks on Venezuelan geophysical space, and thus we do not rule out other possible hostile actions that violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Venezuelan armed forces said in a statement. The US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington accuses President Nicolas Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging his 2018 re-election, and has pressured him to step down.

Venezuela says US military plane violated its airspace

Keeping its promise to sanction Belarus the European Union has banned Belarusian planes in its airspace and airports.

Belarusian planes banned in EU airspace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was deterred from flying to the United Arab Emirates through Saudi Arabian airspace last week because of the threat of missile fire from Iranian proxies in Yemen.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, whose comments came on Saturday, had called off a visit to the Emirates last week over a spat with neighbouring Jordan, which had temporarily closed its airspace to the Israeli prime minister's flight.&nbsp;

But rather than bypass Jordanian airspace and take a more southerly route across Saudi skies, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13, there were also problems a week ago in the skies of Saudi Arabia, referring to recent missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels.&nbsp;

Netanyahu did not elaborate, nor did he say his plane was targeted by the Iran-backed Houthis.&nbsp;

Yemen's Houthi rebels, who control the capital and much of the country's north, have escalated their cross-border attacks on critical Saudi infrastructure in recent weeks, crashing bomb-laden drones and missiles into the kingdom's Patriot missile batteries and revealing gaps in the country's defenses.&nbsp;

Last week, missiles and drones hit one of the world's largest oil shipping ports and halted air traffic toward the international airport in the port city of Jiddah. While Houthi-claimed attacks on Saudi Arabia rarely cause substantial damage, such strikes have roiled the world economy and raise the risk of a disruption in global oil supplies.&nbsp;

Netanyahu was slated to make the first official visit by an Israeli leader to the United Arab Emirates, half a year after the countries established formal relations. He had hoped to use the audience with the UAE's crown prince to boost his reelection campaign less than two weeks before Israel's March 23 parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's Office said it had difficulties coordinating the flight over Jordanian airspace after Jordan's crown prince canceled a visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, a sensitive holy site under Jordanian custodianship, due to disagreements over security arrangements.&nbsp;

The prime minister insisted that relations between the two countries were positive, adding that Jordan needs good relations with us no less than we need good relations with Jordan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was deterred from flying to the United Arab Emirates through Saudi Arabian airspace last week because of the threat of missile fire from Iranian proxies in Yemen.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was deterred from flying to the United Arab Emirates through Saudi Arabian airspace last week because of the threat of missile fire from Iranian proxies in Yemen. Netanyahu, whose comments came on Saturday, had called off a visit to the Emirates last week over a spat with neighbouring Jordan, which had temporarily closed its airspace to the Israeli prime minister's flight. But rather than bypass Jordanian airspace and take a more southerly route across Saudi skies, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13, there were also problems a week ago in the skies of Saudi Arabia, referring to recent missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Netanyahu did not elaborate, nor did he say his plane was targeted by the Iran-backed Houthis. Yemen's Houthi rebels, who control the capital and much of the country's north, have escalated their cross-border attacks on critical Saudi infrastructure in recent weeks, crashing bomb-laden drones and missiles into the kingdom's Patriot missile batteries and revealing gaps in the country's defenses. Last week, missiles and drones hit one of the world's largest oil shipping ports and halted air traffic toward the international airport in the port city of Jiddah. While Houthi-claimed attacks on Saudi Arabia rarely cause substantial damage, such strikes have roiled the world economy and raise the risk of a disruption in global oil supplies. Netanyahu was slated to make the first official visit by an Israeli leader to the United Arab Emirates, half a year after the countries established formal relations. He had hoped to use the audience with the UAE's crown prince to boost his reelection campaign less than two weeks before Israel's March 23 parliamentary elections. The Prime Minister's Office said it had difficulties coordinating the flight over Jordanian airspace after Jordan's crown prince canceled a visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, a sensitive holy site under Jordanian custodianship, due to disagreements over security arrangements. The prime minister insisted that relations between the two countries were positive, adding that Jordan needs good relations with us no less than we need good relations with Jordan. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM avoided Saudi airspace due to Houthi missiles 

Pakistan said it has denied India's request to allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's VVIP flight to use its airspace for his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, citing the alleged human rights violations in J&K

Pakistan Denies use of Airspace to India

Pakistan Has Banned Imports From India. This Has Taken A Heavy Toll On Pakistan's Healthcare Sector

Gravitas: Khan's Kashmir-obsession hurts patients in Pakistan

India has regretted Pakistan's "futile" decision of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-denied-permission-to-use-pakistan-airspace-qureshi-248282">not allowing President Ram Nath Kovind's plane</a> to use the country's airspace.

The President will be in Europe from September 9 to 17 and will visit Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "To deny overflight clearance for the VVIP special flight which is otherwise granted routinely by any normal country. We call upon Pakistan to recognise the futility of such unilateral actions."

Pakistan rejected the Indian government's request for President Ram Nath Kovind's plane to use Pakistani airspace during his upcoming visit to Europe on back of ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.

"Indian government had asked Pakistan to use its airspace for its president's movement. Given the current situation we have decided not to give permission to India for this airspace usage, " Pak FM SM Qureshi said.

Pakistani government sources say Prime Minister Imran Khan had himself endorsed this decision to decline usage of Pakistani airspace for Indian President’s movement.

Interestingly, Qureshi announced it even before notifying the Indian government. Before every VVIP visit outside India, New Delhi requests the neighbouring country over which the plane passes for use of airspace.&nbsp;

Last month India had requested Islamabad to grant the use of airspace for Prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to France which the country allowed despite the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. This led to considerable political fallout in the country since on one hand, Imran Khan government was castigating India on its August 5 internal decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and on the other hand allowing the use of airspace by Indian VVIPs. Pakistan government after a cabinet meeting had then announced that it is considering closing its airspace for India but airspace remains open and no decision has been taken regarding this.

Pakistan had closed its airspace on February 27 after India's counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26 on the back of February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel. The closure that lasted for more than four months had caused considerable problem globally especially to Afghans who could easily travel to India.

Closure of Pakistan airspace had affected around 600 flights that operate per day across India-Pakistan airspace boundary and these flights were re-routed Arabian sea airspace.

India has regretted Pakistan's "futile" decision of not allowing President Ram Nath Kovind's plane to use the country's airspace. The President will be in Europe from September 9 to 17 and will visit Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia.

India has regretted Pakistan's "futile" decision of not allowing President Ram Nath Kovind's plane to use the country's airspace. The President will be in Europe from September 9 to 17 and will visit Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia. Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "To deny overflight clearance for the VVIP special flight which is otherwise granted routinely by any normal country. We call upon Pakistan to recognise the futility of such unilateral actions." Pakistan rejected the Indian government's request for President Ram Nath Kovind's plane to use Pakistani airspace during his upcoming visit to Europe on back of ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. "Indian government had asked Pakistan to use its airspace for its president's movement. Given the current situation we have decided not to give permission to India for this airspace usage, " Pak FM SM Qureshi said. Pakistani government sources say Prime Minister Imran Khan had himself endorsed this decision to decline usage of Pakistani airspace for Indian President’s movement. Interestingly, Qureshi announced it even before notifying the Indian government. Before every VVIP visit outside India, New Delhi requests the neighbouring country over which the plane passes for use of airspace. Last month India had requested Islamabad to grant the use of airspace for Prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to France which the country allowed despite the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. This led to considerable political fallout in the country since on one hand, Imran Khan government was castigating India on its August 5 internal decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and on the other hand allowing the use of airspace by Indian VVIPs. Pakistan government after a cabinet meeting had then announced that it is considering closing its airspace for India but airspace remains open and no decision has been taken regarding this. Pakistan had closed its airspace on February 27 after India's counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26 on the back of February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel. The closure that lasted for more than four months had caused considerable problem globally especially to Afghans who could easily travel to India. Closure of Pakistan airspace had affected around 600 flights that operate per day across India-Pakistan airspace boundary and these flights were re-routed Arabian sea airspace.

India regrets Pakistan's 'Futile' decision to deny overflight clearance to President's plane

Indian President Ramnath Kovind is supposed to fly to Iceland. Kovind denied permission to enter Pakistan airspace

Pakistan denies use of Airspace to Kovind

Pakistan Is Considering Shutting Its Airspace For India

Gravitas: Can Pakistan really afford to shut Airspace for India again?

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM), closing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-partially-closes-its-airspace-with-india-on-eastern-front-241404">three routes of Karachi airspace</a> from August 28 to August 31, reported Dunya News.

All international flights have been asked to avoid three aviation routes in the Karachi airspace as per the NOTAM. The CAA has not given any reason for the closure.

However, an alternate route has been suggested by the authority.

The notification comes at a time when the country's Technology Minister Fawad Hussain Choudhry stated that Pakistan is considering a complete closure of airspace to India, adding that the federal Cabinet is also planning to ban India from using its territory for trade with Afghanistan.

"Prime Minister is considering a complete closure of Air Space to India, a complete ban on the use of Pakistan Land routes for Indian trade to Afghanistan was also suggested in Cabinet meeting, legal formalities for these decisions are under consideration...!" the minister said in a tweet on Tuesday.

Amid heightening tensions between India and Pakistan over New Delhi's decision to revoke special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad has downgraded its diplomatic relations with India and partially closed its airspace. Pakistan had also shut down its airspace after India conducted Balakot strike on February 26.

On July 16, Pakistan had fully opened its airspace for all flights.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM), closing the three routes of Karachi airspace from August 28 to August 31, reported Dunya News.

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM), closing the three routes of Karachi airspace from August 28 to August 31, reported Dunya News. All international flights have been asked to avoid three aviation routes in the Karachi airspace as per the NOTAM. The CAA has not given any reason for the closure. However, an alternate route has been suggested by the authority. The notification comes at a time when the country's Technology Minister Fawad Hussain Choudhry stated that Pakistan is considering a complete closure of airspace to India, adding that the federal Cabinet is also planning to ban India from using its territory for trade with Afghanistan. "Prime Minister is considering a complete closure of Air Space to India, a complete ban on the use of Pakistan Land routes for Indian trade to Afghanistan was also suggested in Cabinet meeting, legal formalities for these decisions are under consideration...!" the minister said in a tweet on Tuesday. Amid heightening tensions between India and Pakistan over New Delhi's decision to revoke special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad has downgraded its diplomatic relations with India and partially closed its airspace. Pakistan had also shut down its airspace after India conducted Balakot strike on February 26. On July 16, Pakistan had fully opened its airspace for all flights.

Pakistan: Karachi airspace shuts three routes till August 31

Afghanistan writes to UN on Pak violations. They said that Pakistan army has violated their airspace

Sidhant Sibal on violation of Afghanistan's airspace by Pakistan

Breaking News: Afghanistan writes to UN on Pak violations

Pakistan Lifts Ban On Indian Flights From Flying Over Its Territory

Gravitas: Pakistan opens it Airspace for all Civilian Traffic

Pakistan closed airspace after Indian airstrikes on Balakot.

WION Pakistan opens airspace after 5 months

Pakistan is suffering losses due to airspace closure for Indian flights. Pakistan fully closed their airspace in response to the Balakot airstrike by the Indian Air Force in February this year. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan suffering losses due to airspace closure for Indian flights

Pakistan on Friday said that it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ball-in-pakistans-court-india-on-pak-airspace-closure-233060">will not open its airspace</a> until India removes its fighter jets from forward Indian Air Force (IAF) bases, &nbsp;the country's Aviation Secretary Shah­rukh Nusrat told a parliamentary committee.

Pakistan had closed its airspace in February after it launched an attack on Indian military installation in response to Indian strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot on February 26.

The closure of Pakistan airspace has caused a loss of $100 million to Pakistan.

Even as the closure of Pakistan airspace impacts millions of passengers across the world, India has reacted saying its a unilateral decision by Islamabad to close their airspace and up to them to remove any restrictions.

The closure is impacting many Afghans who travelled to India on a regular basis but now have to pay more to travel. The time taken has also significantly increased from just one and a half hour to more than 3 hours now.

Its also impacting Indian students in central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan due to non-availability and high cost of flights to India. Many International airlines have cancelled flights to India due to the closure of Pakistan airspace.

Pakistan on Friday said that it will not open its airspace until India removes its fighter jets from forward Indian Air Force (IAF) bases, the country's Aviation Secretary Shahrukh Nusrat told a parliamentary committee.

Pakistan on Friday said that it will not open its airspace until India removes its fighter jets from forward Indian Air Force (IAF) bases, the country's Aviation Secretary Shahrukh Nusrat told a parliamentary committee. Pakistan had closed its airspace in February after it launched an attack on Indian military installation in response to Indian strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot on February 26. The closure of Pakistan airspace has caused a loss of $100 million to Pakistan. Even as the closure of Pakistan airspace impacts millions of passengers across the world, India has reacted saying its a unilateral decision by Islamabad to close their airspace and up to them to remove any restrictions. The closure is impacting many Afghans who travelled to India on a regular basis but now have to pay more to travel. The time taken has also significantly increased from just one and a half hour to more than 3 hours now. Its also impacting Indian students in central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan due to non-availability and high cost of flights to India. Many International airlines have cancelled flights to India due to the closure of Pakistan airspace.

Pakistan to not open its airspace until India removes fighter jets from forward bases

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said on Saturday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-operators-decide-to-avoid-affected-part-of-iranian-airspace-229518">country's airspace</a> was safe for airlines to fly through, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, amid heightened tension between Tehran and Washington.

"Iran-controlled airspace over the Persian Gulf and other flight routes are completely safe," its spokesman, Reza Jafarzadeh, was quoted as saying.

The US Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an oversea area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.

Some other international airlines are taking related precautions.

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said on Saturday the country's airspace was safe for airlines to fly through, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, amid heightened tension between Tehran and Washington.

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said on Saturday the country's airspace was safe for airlines to fly through, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, amid heightened tension between Tehran and Washington. "Iran-controlled airspace over the Persian Gulf and other flight routes are completely safe," its spokesman, Reza Jafarzadeh, was quoted as saying. The US Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an oversea area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Some other international airlines are taking related precautions.

Iran says its airspace is fully safe and secure: Report

Pakistan on Saturday indicated that it may lift the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-extends-airspace-closure-on-indian-border-to-june-14-222517">airspace ban along its eastern border with India</a>, imposed on February 27 after the Balakot airstrke, to reciprocate IAF's decision to remove all restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday announced on Twitter, "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-lifts-temporary-airspace-restrictions-imposed-after-balakot-strike-223290">Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace</a>, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 February 19, have been removed."&nbsp;

Reacting to India's decision, a senior official of the Pakistan government said, "Once the Indian government lifts the air restriction on Pakistani flights, Pakistan is likely to reciprocate it."&nbsp;

The official told PTI that India has yet to inform Pakistan about lifting of airspace ban for its flights.

"We only heard about this through the media as no communication in this respect has taken place as yet. We may follow the suit once India lifts air restrictions on our flights," he said.&nbsp;

The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and attacked a JeM terrorist training camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 27 after an IAF strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. On March 27, it opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. On May 15, Pakistan extended its airspace ban for flights to India till May 30.

As a result of the ban, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. The flights from Europe and the US flying in and out of New Delhi have been the worst hit.

Since Pakistan's airspace closure, the airfare on many routes have gone up significantly, including Delhi-Kabul, Delhi-Moscow, Delhi-Tehran and Delhi-Astana.

Thousands of travellers suffer flight cancellations, delays and soaring ticket prices due to Pakistan's decision to close its airspace for flights to and from India.&nbsp;

Two Indian airline companies, Air India and SpiceJet, have already stopped their Delhi-Kabul flights due to Pakistan airspace closure.

Pakistan had given special permission to India for then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. However, the airspace for other commercial airliners remains closed.

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had said Islamabad want de-escalation.&nbsp;

"If de-escalation takes place we would not like to have a ban on our airspace for India for a single day but for the purpose, India will have to talk to us," he had said.

Pakistan on Saturday indicated that it may lift the airspace ban along its eastern border with India, imposed on February 27 after the Balakot airstrke, to reciprocate IAF's decision to remove all restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace.

Pakistan on Saturday indicated that it may lift the airspace ban along its eastern border with India, imposed on February 27 after the Balakot airstrke, to reciprocate IAF's decision to remove all restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace. The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday announced on Twitter, "Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 February 19, have been removed." Reacting to India's decision, a senior official of the Pakistan government said, "Once the Indian government lifts the air restriction on Pakistani flights, Pakistan is likely to reciprocate it." The official told PTI that India has yet to inform Pakistan about lifting of airspace ban for its flights. "We only heard about this through the media as no communication in this respect has taken place as yet. We may follow the suit once India lifts air restrictions on our flights," he said. The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and attacked a JeM terrorist training camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 27 after an IAF strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. On March 27, it opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. On May 15, Pakistan extended its airspace ban for flights to India till May 30. As a result of the ban, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. The flights from Europe and the US flying in and out of New Delhi have been the worst hit. Since Pakistan's airspace closure, the airfare on many routes have gone up significantly, including Delhi-Kabul, Delhi-Moscow, Delhi-Tehran and Delhi-Astana. Thousands of travellers suffer flight cancellations, delays and soaring ticket prices due to Pakistan's decision to close its airspace for flights to and from India. Two Indian airline companies, Air India and SpiceJet, have already stopped their Delhi-Kabul flights due to Pakistan airspace closure. Pakistan had given special permission to India for then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. However, the airspace for other commercial airliners remains closed. Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had said Islamabad want de-escalation. "If de-escalation takes place we would not like to have a ban on our airspace for India for a single day but for the purpose, India will have to talk to us," he had said.

Pakistan likely to lift curbs on air space usage

Pakistani airspace on its eastern border with India will remain closed until June 14, a civil aviation official said on Wednesday, the latest extension months after a stand-off between the arch-rivals.

Pakistan closed its airspace in February after India's retaliation in response to a deadly terror attack on a convoy in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 Indian soldiers were killed. India sent fighter planes to Balakot, deep inside Pakistan, to destroy terror camps.

Foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia.

"The closure will continue until June 14," a spokesperson for Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority said, without giving further details.

Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor and the airspace restrictions impact hundreds of commercial and cargo flights each day, adding flight time for passengers and fuel costs for airlines.

Owing to the flight ban on its airspace by India, Pakistan has suspended its operation for Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur which is causing a loss of millions of rupees per day. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) used to operate four flights to Kuala Lumpur, two to Bangkok and two to New Delhi.

A senior PIA official recently said that the national flag carrier's loss is running into billions of rupees because of suspension of the flights especially to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Pakistan in mid-April had opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India and airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it. The operating cost for Air India, which flies to destinations in Europe and the US, reportedly has increased significantly as it had to take longer routes due to closure of Pakistan airspace.

Pakistani airspace on its eastern border with India will remain closed until June 14, a civil aviation official said on Wednesday, the latest extension months after a stand-off between the arch-rivals.

Pakistani airspace on its eastern border with India will remain closed until June 14, a civil aviation official said on Wednesday, the latest extension months after a stand-off between the arch-rivals. Pakistan closed its airspace in February after India's retaliation in response to a deadly terror attack on a convoy in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 Indian soldiers were killed. India sent fighter planes to Balakot, deep inside Pakistan, to destroy terror camps. Foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. "The closure will continue until June 14," a spokesperson for Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority said, without giving further details. Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor and the airspace restrictions impact hundreds of commercial and cargo flights each day, adding flight time for passengers and fuel costs for airlines. Owing to the flight ban on its airspace by India, Pakistan has suspended its operation for Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur which is causing a loss of millions of rupees per day. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) used to operate four flights to Kuala Lumpur, two to Bangkok and two to New Delhi. A senior PIA official recently said that the national flag carrier's loss is running into billions of rupees because of suspension of the flights especially to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Pakistan in mid-April had opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India and airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it. The operating cost for Air India, which flies to destinations in Europe and the US, reportedly has increased significantly as it had to take longer routes due to closure of Pakistan airspace.

Pakistan extends airspace closure on Indian border to June 14

India has strongly dismissed reports in the Pakistani media that it denied Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad the right to fly over India during his recent visit to Pakistan. Indian government sources said the reports were "false and motivated."

Mohamad had been chief guest at Pakistan's National Day on February 23.&nbsp;

WION has learnt that the Malaysian PM had to take a longer route to Pakistan despite the Directorate General of Civil Aviation saying he could fly over India since Pakistan had blocked its airspace to flights overflying India.

The government sources told WION that it was strange that Pakistan did not make an exception even for the chief guest of their National Day, thereby forcing him to fly a longer route.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iaf-operation-in-balakot-india-calls-pakistans-nuclear-bluff-199844">an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a> in the Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The air strike was in retaliation for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">over 40 CRPF personnel dead</a>.&nbsp;

A day later, on February 27,&nbsp;the Pakistan Air Force dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control.

Pakistan said the bombs were aimed at displaying its "deterrence capabilities". India says the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

Pakistan's airspace has remained partially closed since February 27. And the country's civil aviation authority has since then denied permission to planes overflying India to enter Pakistani airspace, including apparently that of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.&nbsp;

India has strongly dismissed reports in the Pakistani media that it denied Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad the right to fly over India during his recent visit to Pakistan.

India has strongly dismissed reports in the Pakistani media that it denied Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad the right to fly over India during his recent visit to Pakistan. Indian government sources said the reports were "false and motivated." Mohamad had been chief guest at Pakistan's National Day on February 23. WION has learnt that the Malaysian PM had to take a longer route to Pakistan despite the Directorate General of Civil Aviation saying he could fly over India since Pakistan had blocked its airspace to flights overflying India. The government sources told WION that it was strange that Pakistan did not make an exception even for the chief guest of their National Day, thereby forcing him to fly a longer route. The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The air strike was in retaliation for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. A day later, on February 27, the Pakistan Air Force dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control. Pakistan said the bombs were aimed at displaying its "deterrence capabilities". India says the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. Pakistan's airspace has remained partially closed since February 27. And the country's civil aviation authority has since then denied permission to planes overflying India to enter Pakistani airspace, including apparently that of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Did not deny Malaysia PM Mahathir Bin Mohamad right to fly over India: Government sources

Pakistan on Saturday extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the 10th day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted.

A notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday noted that Pakistan’s airspace will be fully re-opened from Saturday.

However, Express Tribune quoted the CAA announcing that it has once again extended the ban on its airspace for another three days till March 11.

Earlier reports said that Pakistan attempted to open an east-bound flight route between Muscat and Mumbai via Karachi but reciprocal connectivity was denied by India.

Flightradar took to twitter saying, “Pakistan says it attempted to open one eastbound and one westbound transiting airway through Pakistani airspace between the Muscat and Mumbai FIRs (Notam A0258/19), but reciprocal connectivity was denied by Mumbai FIR (Notam A0357/19). Consequently, Muscat FIR has closed ALPOR to flights intending to transit Pakistan airspace.”

The aviation authority has opened only a part of the airspace for incoming and departing flights. Airports across the country including Karachi, Multan, Chitral, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Faisalabad where flight operations had resumed earlier this week will continue to operate as per schedule till 5 am on March 15.

The Notice to the Airmen, or NOTAM, was put in place on March 1 on the expiration of a previously issued NOTAM that was in place in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan on Saturday extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the 10th day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted.

Pakistan on Saturday extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the 10th day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted. A notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday noted that Pakistan’s airspace will be fully re-opened from Saturday. However, Express Tribune quoted the CAA announcing that it has once again extended the ban on its airspace for another three days till March 11. Earlier reports said that Pakistan attempted to open an east-bound flight route between Muscat and Mumbai via Karachi but reciprocal connectivity was denied by India. Flightradar took to twitter saying, “Pakistan says it attempted to open one eastbound and one westbound transiting airway through Pakistani airspace between the Muscat and Mumbai FIRs (Notam A0258/19), but reciprocal connectivity was denied by Mumbai FIR (Notam A0357/19). Consequently, Muscat FIR has closed ALPOR to flights intending to transit Pakistan airspace.” The aviation authority has opened only a part of the airspace for incoming and departing flights. Airports across the country including Karachi, Multan, Chitral, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Faisalabad where flight operations had resumed earlier this week will continue to operate as per schedule till 5 am on March 15. The Notice to the Airmen, or NOTAM, was put in place on March 1 on the expiration of a previously issued NOTAM that was in place in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan airspace to remain closed till March 11

Germany has revoked the licence of an Iranian airline because it has been transporting military equipment and personnel to Syria and other Middle East war zones, the foreign ministry said on Monday, after heavy US pressure on Berlin to act.

The United States imposed sanctions on Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and other support to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and has been pressing its European allies to follow suit.

The German ban on the airline takes immediate effect, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Monday that the "US Treasury appreciates the important decision by Germany to deny Mahan Air's landing rights. Mahan routinely flies IRGC-QF and weapons to Syria, is subject to our terrorism secondary sanctions, and should be denied access around the world."

Contacted by Reuters, Mahan Air in Tehran said it could not comment immediately on the ban.

The measure does not signal plans for the reimposition of broader sanctions against Iran, a German government source told Reuters.

Mahan Air, established in 1992 as Iran's first private airline, has the country's largest fleet of aircraft and has flights to a number of European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Greece.

The US ambassador in Berlin, Richard Grenell, who has long objected to Mahan Air's links to Germany, welcomed the ban.

"Mahan Air has flown terrorists, weapons, equipment, and funds to international locations to support Iranian terrorist proxy groups," he said in a statement.

"Iran's use of Mahan Air to support the Assad regime in Syria, for example, has contributed to incredible human suffering, violence, and political instability felt across the world," he said, referring to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

''SECURITY NEEDS"

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert denied that the decision to ban Mahan air was the result of US pressure.

"The German decision is based on considerations of our security needs," he told a regular news conference.

"It cannot be ruled out that this airline could also transport cargo to Germany that threatens our security. This is based on knowledge of past terrorist activities by Iran in Europe," he added.

European countries have been under sustained US pressure to reimpose sanctions on Iran since President Donald Trump last year pulled Washington out of an international nuclear non-proliferation treaty reached with Tehran under his predecessor Barack Obama.

Along with Iran, the other signatories to the deal - Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China - are still trying to keep it alive.

The European countries, with more extensive economic ties to Iran and mindful of the threat that would be posed by another nuclear state in their immediate neighbourhood, have sought to shield themselves from the impact of Washington's extra-territorial sanctions, with limited success.

Germany has revoked the licence of an Iranian airline because it has been transporting military equipment and personnel to Syria and other Middle East war zones, the foreign ministry said on Monday, after heavy US pressure on Berlin to act.

Germany has revoked the licence of an Iranian airline because it has been transporting military equipment and personnel to Syria and other Middle East war zones, the foreign ministry said on Monday, after heavy US pressure on Berlin to act. The United States imposed sanctions on Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and other support to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and has been pressing its European allies to follow suit. The German ban on the airline takes immediate effect, a foreign ministry spokesman said. US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Monday that the "US Treasury appreciates the important decision by Germany to deny Mahan Air's landing rights. Mahan routinely flies IRGC-QF and weapons to Syria, is subject to our terrorism secondary sanctions, and should be denied access around the world." Contacted by Reuters, Mahan Air in Tehran said it could not comment immediately on the ban. The measure does not signal plans for the reimposition of broader sanctions against Iran, a German government source told Reuters. Mahan Air, established in 1992 as Iran's first private airline, has the country's largest fleet of aircraft and has flights to a number of European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Greece. The US ambassador in Berlin, Richard Grenell, who has long objected to Mahan Air's links to Germany, welcomed the ban. "Mahan Air has flown terrorists, weapons, equipment, and funds to international locations to support Iranian terrorist proxy groups," he said in a statement. "Iran's use of Mahan Air to support the Assad regime in Syria, for example, has contributed to incredible human suffering, violence, and political instability felt across the world," he said, referring to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. ''SECURITY NEEDS" German government spokesman Steffen Seibert denied that the decision to ban Mahan air was the result of US pressure. "The German decision is based on considerations of our security needs," he told a regular news conference. "It cannot be ruled out that this airline could also transport cargo to Germany that threatens our security. This is based on knowledge of past terrorist activities by Iran in Europe," he added. European countries have been under sustained US pressure to reimpose sanctions on Iran since President Donald Trump last year pulled Washington out of an international nuclear non-proliferation treaty reached with Tehran under his predecessor Barack Obama. Along with Iran, the other signatories to the deal - Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China - are still trying to keep it alive. The European countries, with more extensive economic ties to Iran and mindful of the threat that would be posed by another nuclear state in their immediate neighbourhood, have sought to shield themselves from the impact of Washington's extra-territorial sanctions, with limited success.

Germany bans Iranian airline from its airspace after US pressure

&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;airspace&nbsp;will be&nbsp;restricted&nbsp;during&nbsp;the planned US-NorthKorea&nbsp;summit&nbsp;next week, according to a notice to airmen posted by aviation authorities on Wednesday, which is likely to result in delays at one of Asia's busiest airports.

The Southeast Asian city-state is set to host a historic meeting between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 and has increased security across the island.

The notice, published on the websites of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the US&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said&nbsp;airspace&nbsp;over&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;will be temporarily restricted for parts of June 11, 12 and 13.

Travellers are advised to expect delays for flights arriving at and departing from&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;during this period,&nbsp;Singapore's Defense Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority of&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;said.

All aircraft arriving into&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;Changi Airport will be required to reduce speed and face some restrictions on runway use "for reasons of national security," the notice said.

A separate notice on the ICAO website warned aviators to keep clear of the Paya Lebar Air Base, a military facility in the east of the island that has been used by US presidents on past visits. The notice said aircraft that breach the&nbsp;restrictions "may be intercepted".

As part of its preparations for the&nbsp;summit,&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;has designated certain parts of the city as "special event areas" for June 10 to 14. These include the central region, which is home to its foreign ministry, the US&nbsp;embassy and several hotels, and Sentosa Island in the south, where the summit&nbsp;is scheduled to take place.

Items such as remotely piloted aircraft and public address systems will be prohibited in these areas throughout this period.

The Southeast Asian city-state is set to host a historic meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un and has increased security across the island

Singapore airspace will be restricted during the planned US-NorthKorea summit next week, according to a notice to airmen posted by aviation authorities on Wednesday, which is likely to result in delays at one of Asia's busiest airports. The Southeast Asian city-state is set to host a historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 and has increased security across the island. The notice, published on the websites of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said airspace over Singapore will be temporarily restricted for parts of June 11, 12 and 13. Travellers are advised to expect delays for flights arriving at and departing from Singapore during this period, Singapore's Defense Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said. All aircraft arriving into Singapore Changi Airport will be required to reduce speed and face some restrictions on runway use "for reasons of national security," the notice said. A separate notice on the ICAO website warned aviators to keep clear of the Paya Lebar Air Base, a military facility in the east of the island that has been used by US presidents on past visits. The notice said aircraft that breach the restrictions "may be intercepted". As part of its preparations for the summit, Singapore has designated certain parts of the city as "special event areas" for June 10 to 14. These include the central region, which is home to its foreign ministry, the US embassy and several hotels, and Sentosa Island in the south, where the summit is scheduled to take place. Items such as remotely piloted aircraft and public address systems will be prohibited in these areas throughout this period.

Singapore to restrict airspace during US-North Korea summit

Saudi Arabia has allowed Air India to use its airspace for flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv, Israeli daily Haaretz reported. 
 
However, it could not be confirmed from either the ministry of civil aviation here or Air India. 
 
According to a spokesperson of the airline, the national carrier has sought permission from regulatory body DGCA for thrice-a-week flight services between Delhi and Tel Aviv from March, which is awaited. 
 
Another Air India official said the airline is also waiting for slots at Delhi&#39;s Indira Gandhi International airport and Tel Aviv&#39;s Ben Gurion International Airport. 
 
Many Arab and Islamic nations do not recognise Israel and, therefore, disallow airlines from using their airspace for flight services to that country. 
 
According to the official, an approval from Saudi Arabia to use its airspace will allow Air India to take a shorter route by flying over Ahmedabad, Muscat, Saudi Arabia and then land at Tel Aviv. 
 
This route will lead to a shorter flight duration between the two cities by two and a half hours and save fuel costs, the official said.<iframe frameborder="0" height="0" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" title="3rd party ad content" width="100%"></iframe>As of now, Israel&#39;s El Al flights between Tel Aviv and Mumbai take a seven-hour circuitous route and fly over the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and then enter India and avoid countries that are on the direct flight path such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Due to route overflying issues Air India was earlier also examining the possibility of operating flights from Mumbai to Tel Aviv. 
 
Israel&#39;s tourism ministry has announced a one-time grant of 750,000 euros to Air India for flight operations.

The national carrier has sought permission from regulatory body DGCA for thrice-a-week flight services between Delhi and Tel Aviv from March, which is awaited.

Saudi Arabia has allowed Air India to use its airspace for flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv, Israeli daily Haaretz reported. However, it could not be confirmed from either the ministry of civil aviation here or Air India. According to a spokesperson of the airline, the national carrier has sought permission from regulatory body DGCA for thrice-a-week flight services between Delhi and Tel Aviv from March, which is awaited. Another Air India official said the airline is also waiting for slots at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport. Many Arab and Islamic nations do not recognise Israel and, therefore, disallow airlines from using their airspace for flight services to that country. According to the official, an approval from Saudi Arabia to use its airspace will allow Air India to take a shorter route by flying over Ahmedabad, Muscat, Saudi Arabia and then land at Tel Aviv. This route will lead to a shorter flight duration between the two cities by two and a half hours and save fuel costs, the official said.As of now, Israel's El Al flights between Tel Aviv and Mumbai take a seven-hour circuitous route and fly over the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and then enter India and avoid countries that are on the direct flight path such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Due to route overflying issues Air India was earlier also examining the possibility of operating flights from Mumbai to Tel Aviv. Israel's tourism ministry has announced a one-time grant of 750,000 euros to Air India for flight operations.

Saudi Arabia allows Air India to use airspace for flights

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