Bangladesh shuts airspace to Indian airline over unpaid dues

2026-02-21 - 07:03

DHAKA – Bangladesh has blocked Indian private airline SpiceJet’s access to its airspace due to unpaid dues, according to reports. As a result of the airspace ban, flights from Kolkata to Guwahati and Imphal have been forced to take longer alternative routes, leading to increased flight durations and significantly higher fuel costs. The Economic Times reported that SpiceJet incurred a loss of over ₹269 crore in the last quarter. Experts warn that the airspace closure could worsen the airline’s financial troubles. The move is seen as part of broader pressure on India’s aviation industry, which is currently facing a decline. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced the continuation of airspace restrictions for Indian aircraft until March 23. This ban, which includes both civil and military aircraft registered in India, applies to Pakistan’s airspace across two regions: Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR), as stated in the latest Notice to Airmen (Notam). The restriction was first imposed following rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after a deadly incident in Indian-administered Kashmir in late April 2025. The initial closure of Pakistan’s airspace took place on April 24, 2025, and has been extended multiple times since.