State Department says aid delivery delayed by 60 hours, India refuses to block airspace
Pakistan’s foreign ministry has reported that its humanitarian aid mission to Sri Lanka has been delayed for more than 60 hours due to India withholding full flight clearance.
A special plane carrying Pakistan’s aid to Sri Lanka has been awaiting permission to enter Indian airspace. The ministry said the partial approval given by India late on Sunday, after a 48-hour wait, was operationally impractical as it was limited to only a few hours and not valid for the return journey.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the delay as “a serious impediment to this urgent relief mission” intended for the “fraternal people of Sri Lanka”. Pakistan had deployed the aid in response to humanitarian needs in Sri Lanka, but the long wait has raised concerns about the timely delivery of essential supplies.
India has denied all allegations that it blocked airspace for Pakistan’s humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka
India continues to block humanitarian aid from Pakistan to Sri Lanka. The special plane carrying Pakistan’s humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka continues to face delays of over 60 hours and is now awaiting air clearance from India.
The partial flight clearance issued by…
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) 2 December 2025
Read: Sri Lanka floods rise, death toll hits 69
At least 153 people have been killed in Sri Lanka following landslides and floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with 191 others missing and more than half a million affected nationwide.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, more than 78,000 people have been moved to nearly 800 relief centres, mostly set up in schools.
Thousands of police, naval personnel and army troops distribute food, clear roads and move trapped families to safety.
The floods in Malwana and other low-lying areas near Colombo have left most homes under water and without power, authorities said.
Meteorological authorities in the country have predicted continued rain over the weekend, raising fears of further flooding in already waterlogged areas.
Local businesses, including pharmacies, supermarkets and drug stores, have been flooded, raising concerns about financial losses as shopkeepers worry about long-term recovery.
