Islamabad: As tensions escalate between neighboring countries after Pahagam attacks, Pakistan has closed its airspace for Indian airlines forcing long-haul flights on their way to India to land in other countries for refueling, aviation sources said Friday.

Pakistan closed his airspace for Indian aircraft at 1 p.m. 18 a day ago. The closure has already affected several flights.

A Sharjah for Amritsar flying was allegedly redirected before entering the Pakistani airspace near the tour, the sources said.

An Indian airline flight on its way to India was forced to land in Ahmedabad to take on additional fuel after passing through the Bay of Oman.

Further highlighting the impact, the sources said, was an Indian airline flight (AI 190) traveling from Toronto to India, having to land in Copenhagen for refueling. Similarly, an Indian airline flight from Paris to Delhi in Abu Dhabi landed for the same purpose. Sources also indicated that an Indian airline flight (AI 162) from London to India made a tank stop in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan’s closure of airspace causes significant logistical challenges and increased operating costs for Indian Airlines.

The Federal Minister of Information and Issuing Attaullah Tarar on Thursday said Pakistan’s airspace had been closed to India, which would eventually cause millions of dollars in losses for Indian Airlines.

However, the move has come in response to the controversial measures taken by New Delhi, including redirecting the flow of water legally belonging to Pakistan. The duration of closure of the airspace is also currently unknown.

“Pakistan’s airspace will be closed with immediate effect to all Indian -owned or Indian -driven airlines. All trade in India, including to and from any third country through Pakistan, will be immediately suspended,” this was announced by the government after the National Security Committee meeting in Islamabad.

Tit-for-TAT messages have taken the relationship between the nuclear armed neighbors to the lowest level this year.

An attack on tourists in IIOJK this week triggered a new crisis between nuclear armed South Asian neighbors India and Pakistan, with New Delhi accused Islamabad of the killing with Islamabad, which strongly denies the claims.

Suspected militants opened fire in the Baisaran valley, a popular tourist attraction in the IIOJK’s Pahaldam area, Tuesday afternoon, killed 26 people and wounded several others before flinging into the surrounding pine forests.

Indian officials say Tuesday’s attack had “cross -border relations”. Police identified in messages three people “involved” in the violence. However, India has not elaborated on the links or shared proof.

Pakistan said that India’s accusations were made without any “credible investigation” or “verifiable proof” and said they are “junk” and “devoid of rationality”.

In response, both countries have closed the only open land boundary they share and suspended special South Asian visas that allowed people to travel between them.

They have declared each other’s defense advisers in missions in New Delhi and Islamabad Persona Non Grata and reduced the strength of their embassies.

India has also suspended the Indus water Treaty that regulated the division of water from the Indus River and its side elves. Pakistan has warned that any attempt to stop or divert the water will be considered an act of war and met with “full strength.”

Pakistan has paused all bilateral agreements and suspended all trade in India, including to and from any third country. It has closed its airspace for all Native American and Indian driven airlines.