Stories
Pakistani Pilots & India's Protocol: A Loophole That Leads to a Trap
N
News18•01-10-2026, 18:58
Pakistani Pilots & India's Protocol: A Loophole That Leads to a Trap
- •A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel saw an Omani co-pilot attack the Indian-origin captain, causing the plane to plummet 14,000 feet.
- •The incident raised questions in Israel about allowing an Omani citizen to fly between UAE and Israel, given Oman's lack of diplomatic ties with Israel.
- •India's protocol for Pakistani pilots involves airspace restrictions and strict immigration/visa rules.
- •India has banned Pakistani aircraft and airlines from its airspace, but the written rule doesn't directly prohibit foreign planes based on pilot nationality.
- •Despite an apparent airspace loophole, strict Indian visa and immigration laws make it practically impossible for any Pakistani pilot to obtain a 'crew visa' and land a flight in India.
Key Questions Answered
While India's airspace ban focuses on aircraft and airlines rather than individual pilot nationalities, strict immigration and visa laws implemented after April 2025 make it practically impossible for a Pakistani passport holder to get crew clearance or land in India.
India has enforced a NOTAM airspace restriction stating that no plane registered in Pakistan, nor any flight owned, leased, or operated by Pakistani airlines, can use or fly over Indian airspace.
Following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terrorist attack, India suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals, canceled existing visas issued before April 27, 2025, and completely terminated travel under the SAARC visa exemption scheme.
