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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Autogate access at KLIA extended to more Asean countries, Timor-Leste
KUALA LUMPUR: The use of the autogate facility for immigration clearance at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 has been extended to travellers from six Asean countries and Timor-Leste, effective Feb 15. The Home Ministry said the autogate access is now available to citizens of Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Timor-Leste. Currently, autogate access is granted to citizens of 63 countries, including two Asean members, namely, Singapore and Brunei. Autogate access is also allowed for passport holders from countries whose travel documents do not contain embedded chips, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements for secure and accurate identity verification. The ministry said the expansion aligns with the Madani government's aspiration to enhance public service delivery by prioritising speed, efficiency and compassion, both for Malaysians and foreign travellers. "This initiative also embodies the spirit of inclusivity and regional cooperation, particularly in strengthening diplomatic and tourism ties between Malaysia, Asean member states, and Timor-Leste. "The move is part of a broader strategic effort to improve the management of traveller movement at entry points, especially in anticipation of a significant rise in international arrivals in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year and Visit Malaysia Year 2026," the ministry said in a statement today.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Time for ICAO to reclaim PoK airspace and hand it over to India
Capt. Amit Singh is an aviation professional with over 35 years of experience in commercial airlines, including pivotal roles in three startup airlines, where he developed systems for efficient, low-cost, and profitable operations. A leader in flight operations, safety, and pilot training, he channels his expertise into writing insightful articles on aviation, history, and strategic thinking. Capt. Singh is a sought-after speaker at international safety and training conferences, blending technical knowledge with a passion for storytelling and analysis. Additionally, he explores his creative side through painting, reflecting a well-rounded personality committed to growth and innovation. LESS ... MORE Introduction: Fir vs sovereignty in the skies The skies above Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are a silent witness to a diplomatic and operational anomaly. While the region is legally part of India, Pakistan controls its airspace under the Lahore FIR, approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This arrangement contradicts international law and undermines India's sovereign rights as per Article 1 of the Chicago Convention. This blog explores why ICAO must reassign Flight Information Region (FIR) control over PoK to India, aligning global airspace governance with international legal principles and geopolitical realities. Understanding ICAO FIR and airspace sovereignty An FIR (Flight Information Region) is an airspace zone within which a state is responsible for air traffic services. ICAO allocates FIRs for operational convenience, but FIR allocation does not define sovereignty. However, in practice, FIR control often: Imparts legitimacy to the controlling authority. to the controlling authority. Enables control over overflight permissions . . Affects international aviation policy and airline routing. India's sovereignty over Jammu & Kashmir, including PoK, is recognised through the Instrument of Accession (1947). The UN Security Council has consistently referred to the region as disputed, without recognising Pakistan's sovereignty over any part of it. Current anomaly: Pakistan controls FIR over Indian territory Despite India's legal claim, ICAO continues to allow Pakistan to: Control air traffic over PoK via the Lahore FIR . via the . Deny overflights to Indian aircraft across its own territory. to Indian aircraft across its own territory. Use FIR control as a tool of geopolitical leverage (e.g., post-Balakot 2019 airspace closures). This setup is a symbolic undermining of sovereignty and a practical aviation and safety risk. Why ICAO must reorganise the FIR over PoK 1. Legal Sovereignty vs FIR Control Article 1 of the Chicago Convention states: 'Every state has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory.' India's legal claim is grounded in international law . . FIR control should not contradict recognised territorial boundaries . . Pakistan's FIR over PoK violates the spirit of ICAO's neutrality. 2. Safety and operational risk in conflict zones Kashmir is a known conflict zone ; both countries maintain active military deployments. ; both countries maintain active military deployments. Pakistan has continuously unilaterally closed its airspace , affecting global air traffic. , affecting global air traffic. Civil-military coordination in Pakistani-administered areas lacks transparency, increasing the risk to international aviation. 3. Misuse of airspace control Pakistan often denies India overflight rights over PoK airspace. As per ICAO, closure of the airspace should not be selective. over PoK airspace. As per ICAO, closure of the airspace should not be selective. Airlines are forced to reroute, increasing fuel burn, emissions, and cost . . This violates the principles of peaceful overflight under Article 5 of the Chicago Convention. Global examples: FIRs managed across borders ICAO allows FIRs to extend beyond borders only under mutual agreement or when the neighbouring country lacks capacity. These examples reinforce that cross-border FIRs must be consensual and temporary. a. Singapore FIR over southern Malaysia Singapore manages Malaysian airspace near Johor. Based on technical capabilities and Malaysian consent . . Malaysia has raised sovereignty concerns, triggering renegotiation. b. Bahrain FIR Over Qatar and Saudi Arabia Bahrain controls parts of Qatari and eastern Saudi airspace . . Qatar filed a case with ICAO, demanding FIR realignment. ICAO approved the creation of a Doha FIR, confirming that change is possible. c. Senegal-Gambia Senegal manages Gambian airspace through a formal ICAO agreement . . Gambia consented due to infrastructure limitations. d. Serbia-Kosovo FIR managed via EUROCONTROL Despite Kosovo's partial recognition, the FIR was reassigned based on safety needs, not sovereignty status. In contrast, India neither lacks capability nor has given Pakistan consent to manage the airspace over PoK. India's rightful claim and ICAO's responsibility India is a founding ICAO member and has one of Asia's most advanced air traffic systems. Pakistan has no operational reason to control the airspace over Indian land. FIR realignment is: Legally justified Technically feasible Consistent with ICAO precedents ICAO must act on its responsibility to maintain neutrality, legal alignment, and operational safety. Conclusion: Restoring balance in international airspace governance The FIR over Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir represents an outdated, unjust, and unsafe arrangement. It fails the test of international law, undermines India's sovereignty, and exposes civil aviation to geopolitical risk. ICAO must correct this imbalance. It must initiate a structured transition plan to reassign FIR responsibility to India for the airspace above its legally recognised territory. This move will: Align global airspace with UN-recognised borders . . Enhance regional aviation safety . . Uphold the principle of sovereignty for all member states equally. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
India extends airspace curbs for Pakistan flights by a month
- Representational photo. NEW DELHI: India on Friday (May 23) extended the airspace restrictions for Pakistan-registered aircrafts, including military flights, for a month, till June 23. As per the latest NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), Indian airspace remains unavailable to any aircraft registered in Pakistan, or those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines or operators, including military flights. This restriction applies across all Flight Information Regions — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and covers all altitudes. The directive is effective immediately from May 23rd and will remain in force until further notice, subject to extension beyond June 23, the NOTAM added. Notably, Pakistan too issued a similar NOTAM on Friday restricting the non-availability of country's airspace for Indian-registered aircrafts including military flights. Earlier, India had issued restrictions on April 30 till May 23, during which no Pakistani aircraft will be permitted to enter Indian airspace. This move comes days after Pakistan closed its airspace to all flights owned and operated by Indian carriers, prompting India to respond with a reciprocal airspace ban on Pakistani aircraft. The extension came as the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) restrict such closure for a month at a time. Before closing its airspace, India had suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) making its revival conditional on Pakistan ending support for cross-border terrorism. India also shut the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border, and authorities set a deadline for Pakistani nationals who had entered India with valid documents to exit. Also, all visas issued to Pakistani citizens have been revoked, and travel under the SAARC visa exemption scheme is no longer allowed for Pakistanis. - The Statesman/ANN
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Pakistan extends closure of airspace for Indian flights till June 24
Pakistan on Friday extended closure of its airspace for Indian flights until June 24, according to a new NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority. The extension follows the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules that restrict such closure for a month at a time. The ban on Indian aircraft flying over Pakistan airspace has been extended until 4:59 am June 24, 2025, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said in a statement here. All aircraft that are Indian-registered, operated, owned, or leased will remain subject to the ban, the PAA statement said. This ban will also apply to Indian military aircraft. No flight operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to use Pakistani airspace, the statement said. Under the directive, no flight operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to enter or transit through Pakistani airspace, the PAA said. Pakistan had banned its airspace for India last month after steps taken by New Delhi in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people. The ban was imposed for a month until May 23, as under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules that airspace restrictions cannot be imposed for more than one month at a time. The extension of closure of airspace by a month comes two days after an IndiGo pilot operating the Delhi-Srinagar flight, which encountered a sudden hailstorm on Wednesday, initially sought Lahore Air Traffic Control's permission to briefly use the Pakistan airspace to avoid the turbulence, but the request was rejected.
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
India extends airspace ban for Pakistani airlines till June 23 in tit-for-tat move
India on Friday extended the closure of Indian airspace for Pakistani airlines, shortly after Pakistan announced the extension of the ban on Indian airlines till June 24. Indian airspace will not be available for aircraft registered in Pakistan as well as for planes operated, owned or leased by Pakistan airlines and operators till June 23, 2025, according to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued on Friday. As per the NOTAM, the ban will also be applicable to Pakistan's military aircraft. The extension follows the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules that restrict such closure for a month at a time. The ban was imposed on April 30, after Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines on April 24, following New Delhi's series of punitive measures against Islamabad, including the suspension of Indus Water Treaty, following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. "The ban on Indian aircraft flying over Pakistan airspace has been extended until 4:59 am June 24, 2025," the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said in a statement here. All aircraft that are Indian-registered, operated, owned, or leased will remain subject to the ban, the PAA statement said. "This ban will also apply to Indian military aircraft. No flight operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to use Pakistani airspace," the statement said. "Under the directive, no flight operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to enter or transit through Pakistani airspace," the PAA said. The extension of closure of airspace by a month comes two days after an IndiGo pilot operating the Delhi-Srinagar flight, which encountered a sudden hailstorm on Wednesday, initially sought Lahore Air Traffic Control's permission to briefly use the Pakistan airspace to avoid the turbulence, but the request was rejected. (With inputs from PTI)
