Indian PM Modi Uses Pakistan’s Airspace En Route to Saudi Arabia, Avoids It on Return Following Pahalgam Attack

Karachi:Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used Pakistan’s commercial airspace during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, but deliberately avoided it on his return journey following a deadly terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir.

According to aviation sources, PM Modi departed from New Delhi aboard his special aircraft “India One” at 8:00 AM on April 22. His aircraft entered Pakistani airspace at 09:26 AM, flying at an altitude of 36,000 feet over Rahim Yar Khan. Following a standard commercial flight route, the Indian PM’s plane traveled over Sukkur, Turbat, and Gwadar before entering Omani airspace and proceeding to Jeddah, bypassing the United Arab Emirates.

Later the same day, after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that prompted a swift reaction from Indian authorities, PM Modi reportedly shortened his Saudi visit and departed Jeddah at 1:00 AM the next morning. However, while returning to India, his aircraft deliberately avoided Pakistani airspace.

The contrasting flight routes underscore the sensitive geopolitical climate in South Asia, particularly in the context of Kashmir and cross-border diplomatic dynamics. Analysts suggest the decision to bypass Pakistani airspace on the return leg may have been politically symbolic or driven by security considerations.