India junks Pak reports on denial of airspace for relief flights to Sri Lanka

India swiftly approved Pakistan’s request for an aid flight to cyclone-ravaged Sri Lanka, dismissing 'baseless and misleading" reports in Pakistani media that alleged New Delhi denied permission to use its airspace.

Officials revealed that Pakistan submitted its overflight application around 1 PM IST on Monday, requesting same-day authorisation. Recognising the humanitarian nature of the mission, India expedited the process with remarkable speed. By 5:30 PM IST, permission was officially granted and communicated through proper diplomatic channels within just four hours after the request, ANI reported.

This humanitarian clearance stands out especially because Pakistan continues to restrict Indian airlines from using its airspace. Officials underscored that India’s gesture was purely driven by the urgent need to support Sri Lanka, rejecting claims of any refusal as “baseless and misleading.”