New Delhi: The Indian Air Force on Friday confirmed that Pakistan refused to allow IndiGo flight 6E 214 to pass through its airspace after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. The Delhi-to-Srinagar flight, operated by IndiGo, had requested clearance to enter Pakistani airspace on Wednesday to bypass extreme weather. However, the request was turned down. The aircraft ran into a violent storm and hail near Pathankot, resulting in significant turbulence.
What did IAF say?
Sources told news agency ANI that, NOTAM A0220/25 issued by Pakistani Civil Aviation Authorities was in vogue upto 23 May 25 midnight (2359 hrs), which mentions, “Pakistan airspace is not available for Indian registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights. Northern Area Control advised the Indigo crew within the frame of the NOTAM(which is also a regular planning feature for all airlines in their route planning), ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers.”
“The aircraft was immediately assisted in coordinating their route diversion by contacting Delhi Area and passing the requisite contact frequencies of Lahore control for an overflight weather diversion request. Once Lahore refused overflight clearance, and the aircraft proceeded towards Srinagar, the flight was subsequently professionally assisted till a safe landing at Srinagar airfield by giving control vectors and groundspeed readouts,” the report quoted IAF sources as saying.
Pakistan on Friday extended its ban on Indian flights using its airspace until June 24. The restriction applies to “all aircraft registered, operated, owned, or leased by India” and also covers Indian military aircraft, according to a statement from the country’s aviation regulator.
