PAA incurs Rs4.1bn shortfall over airspace closure for Indian airlines, NA told

ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly through a written reply during question hour that Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) experienced an estimated shortfall of Rs4.1 billion in overflying revenue due to airspace closure for Indian airlines registered aircraft for the period from 24th April to 30th June, 2025.

However, he stressed, “When it comes to safeguarding our sovereignty and national security, no price is too high. The defence of our homeland will always remain paramount.”

In a written reply to a question of Sharmila Faroqui, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated following India‘s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty on 23rd April 2025, Pakistan, in line with national security policy, withdrew overflying permission for all Indian registered aircraft and those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines/operators from 24th April and from 6th May to 12th May, 2025 amid operation Marka-e-Haq. Indian airspace was also closed while Pakistan‘s airspace remained largely restricted; affecting 100-150 Indian aircraft daily, reducing transit traffic by nearly 20 percent and contributing to a revenue decline.

He stated that Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) experienced an estimated shortfall of Rs4.1 billion in overflying revenue due to airspace closure for Indian airlines registered aircrafts for the period from 24th April to 30th June, 2025

Moreover, he stated that Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) experienced an estimated shortfall of Rs7.6 billion (estimated $54 million) in overflying revenue due to airspace closure in 2019, as opposed to $100 million. The defence minister stated that while it is true that Pakistan incurred certain financial losses due to the closure of its airspace during the recent conflict with India, the sovereignty and defence of the nation take precedence over economic considerations. “The protection of our homeland remains our foremost priority,” he stated.

He stated that Pakistan airspace is currently available for all airlines/aircraft except for Indian airlines/aircraft.

He stated that Pakistan airlines and aircraft are also banned from flying in Indian airspace. ii. Average per day revenue from overflying was $508,000 in 2019 (before escalation).

Despite the temporary disruption, he stated that PAA has demonstrated fiscal resilience. Notably, no revision in over flight or aeronautical charges was made during the affected period.

This reflects the robustness of PAA‘s revenue model and its ability to absorb short-term shocks without requiring upward tariff revisions or government bailout.

The written reply stated that though Pakistan did face some economic setbacks following the closure of its airspace during the recent tensions with India, such measures were a necessary sacrifice. “When it comes to safeguarding our sovereignty and national security, no price is too high. The defense of our homeland will always remain paramount,” he stated.

Earlier replying question of Sharmila Faroqui, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar proposed the formation of a parliamentary committee to tackle the misinformation and disinformation and urged opposition members to participate constructively.

He said that if the committee delivers strong recommendations, the credit would rightly belong to the National Assembly.

Responding to the proposal, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq assured that the matter would be taken up in the Ministry of Information’s committee.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar strongly criticised the Indian media for spreading disinformation, asserting that Pakistan’s Parliament, armed forces, media, and the nation had delivered a unified and resolute response to Indian aggression.

He said a clear message was sent to the enemy from the floor of the House that Parliament of Pakistan stands firmly with its armed forces.

Referring to false claims by Indian media that the ports of Lahore and Multan had been destroyed, Tarar said Pakistan’s collective response effectively countered the disinformation, demonstrating that media ethics continue to hold ground in the country.

He commended both government and opposition members for effectively presenting Pakistan’s narrative across national television platforms, noting that media houses played a key role in shaping the domestic discourse, which enabled Pakistan to engage confidently on international media fronts.

Tarar also acknowledged the contribution of Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and political parties’ representatives, who played a pivotal role in articulating Pakistan’s position on global media platforms.

The minister emphasised that combating misinformation is now a global priority, citing discussions at the World Economic Forum where international leaders identified disinformation as one of the defining challenges of the time.

He noted that the issue has become significantly more complex with the rise of artificial intelligence.

Tarar stressed the need for a national alliance to expand efforts against disinformation, stating that while research is underway to identify false narratives, it is not enough.

He called for coordinated action across the Ministries of Information Technology, Information, and Law to address challenges on both domestic and international fronts.