- Pakistan has partially opened its airspace from India allowing Air India’s US and Europe bound flights to fly over it.The airspace has also been opened up for international airlines.The move will help the airlines save cost.However, flights originating or terminating in India were not allowed to use it.
- Earlier,Pakistan had shut down its airspace on February 27 following
India’s air strike on Balakot.This had badly affected international flights to and from India.Further,this had led to an increase in operational costs, forcing many airlines to cancel flights or hike fares. - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had also urged Pakistan to open the airspace as soon as possible.IATA had said that 220 flights were directly affected because of the airspace closure.
- IATA is a trade association for the world’s airlines.It was established in April 1945.It represents some 290 airlines which accounts for 82% of total air traffic.It is headquartered in Montreal,Quebec,Canada.It is successor to International Air Traffic Association established in 1919.
- IATA aims to improve understanding of the air transport industry among decision makers and increase awareness of the benefits that aviation brings to national and global economies.It also helps airlines to operate safely,securely,efficiently and economically under clearly defined rules.
