New Delhi, April 24 -- Indian airlines will have to avoid Pakistani airspace during international hauls, leading to at least an extra hour of flying, following the neighbouring country's order of immediate closure of its airspace to Indian-owned and India-operated airlines. Technically called NOTAM (notice to airmen), the order restricts usage of its airspace for India-registered aircraft as well as aircraft operated, owned and leased by Indian airlines.It does not, however, restrict international carriers from using Pakistani airspace while connecting with India.Mintexplains the impact.

A NOTAM is a notice issued to alert pilots, ground control, etc. of a country on certain restrictions on use of its airspace. NOTAM is issued under circ...