Islamabad (TDI): In a rare gesture of cooperation, India has allowed Pakistan to use its airspace temporarily for humanitarian flights to flood‑hit Sri Lanka, as prolonged airspace restrictions continue since the military confrontation earlier this year.
The decision comes as Sri Lanka grapples with severe flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Heave downpours have pushed thousands into taking temporary refuge, with over 300 people dead and hundreds reported missing.
Entire villages have been cut off due to collapsed roads and bridges, while military and rescue teams struggle to reach stranded people.
The disaster is part of a wider regional crisis, with Indonesia, southern Thailand, and northern Malaysia also experiencing deadly floods and storms in recent days, leaving over 1,100 people dead across Asia.
Climate experts warn that monsoon seasons are becoming increasingly unpredictable, with climate change intensifying rainfall and strengthening tropical storms.
Read More: Pakistan Dispatches 100 Tons Flood Relief Supplies to Sri Lanka
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, India agreed to temporarily open a corridor for Pakistan’s relief flights, acknowledging the urgent need for coordinated regional disaster assistance.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad sent an official note authorizing the overflights. Air Force aircraft has been cleared to commence the relief mission starting Tuesday.
India and Pakistan have kept their airspace closed to each other since April, following a deadly attack in India-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives and led to a four-day conflict. In October, Pakistan extended the airspace restrictions until November 24.
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced the dispatch of 100 tons of relief supplies to Sri Lanka, in addition to a forty-five member Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR).
Pakistan Navy, through it ship “Saif,” already visiting Colombo on port call, took part in delivering essential supplies. “To support the affected communities, PNS Saif provided humanitarian relief supplies to Sri Lankan authorities to augment ongoing national relief efforts,” a statement by PN read.
Read More: Sri Lanka Appeals for Aid as Cyclone Ditwah Kills 123
Last week, the Sri Lankan government appealed for international aid and encouraged citizens abroad to provide cash donations to support nearly half a million affected people.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met with diplomats in Colombo to brief them on the situation and seek assistance from their governments.
Although rainfall has now subsided, many roads in Sri Lanka’s hardest-hit central province remain blocked, according to the Disaster Management Centre.
Extreme weather has destroyed more than 20,000 homes and forced 122,000 people into government-run temporary shelters, while another 833,000 residents in urgent need of relief.
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
