Pakistan partially closes airspace; AI not affected

Pakistan has partially closed its airspace amid growing tensions with India over the abrogation of Article 370.

However, according to national carrier Air India, its west bound operations will not be impacted much by Pakistan's decision to partially close its airspace.

"One air corridor has been closed requiring a maximum of 12 minutes diversion. Not really affecting us," the flag carrier said.

Only last month, Pakistan had fully opened its airspace which was closed following the Balakot air strikes in February.

Air India operates around 50 flights daily through Pakistani airspace.These are flights to the US, Europe and the Middle East.

Following the Balakot air strikes, Pakistan had closed its airspace on February 26 and it was fully reopened on July 16.

The Indian government on Monday abolished provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Article 370 granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and allowed it to have its own flag and constitution, among other rights.

With IANS and PTI inputs.