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New Delhi rejected Pakistani media claims on overflight clearance as baseless, confirming India approved Pakistan’s request for a humanitarian flight to Sri Lanka within 4 hours.
Sources said India’s decision was made purely on humanitarian grounds. (Representative image)
New Delhi on Monday dismissed the allegations circulating in Pakistani media regarding an overflight clearance sought by Islamabad as baseless and misleading, calling the reports a fresh attempt to peddle fake news.
According to sources, Pakistan submitted a request at around 1 pm (IST) on December 1, 2025, seeking permission for an aircraft to use Indian airspace the same day for a humanitarian assistance mission to Sri Lanka. The Government of India processed the request at the shortest notice of just four hours and formally conveyed its approval to Pakistan at 5.30 pm (IST).
However, Pakistani media reported that India didn’t approve the request, delaying their assistance to flood-hit Sri Lanka.
Sources said India’s decision was made purely on humanitarian grounds, despite Pakistan continuing to deny its airspace to Indian airlines.
Rejecting the narrative pushed by Pakistani media outlets, India clarified that all overflight and transit permissions are examined strictly in accordance with international procedures, operational norms and security assessments, not political considerations. Pakistani media, as usual, is indulging in propaganda and peddling fake news.
India also called out a pattern of misinformation emerging from Pakistan, noting that this incident follows recent attempts by Pakistani media and diplomatic handles to spread incorrect claims — including false reports regarding India’s participation in an Oxford Union debate.
Sources reiterated that India’s approach to airspace management remains professional, rule-based and aligned with global aviation standards.
Earlier, Pakistani media falsely reported that India refused to grant airspace to Pakistan for humanitarian aid flights headed to flood-hit Sri Lanka, which delayed help to the affected people.
“India has refused to grant airspace to Pakistan for humanitarian aid flights headed to Sri Lanka to help people affected by the ongoing flood disaster. Pakistan will now send the aid by ship,” The Pakistan Telegraph tweeted.
While Geo News also reported that India refused to allow the neighbouring country to use its airspace for the delivery of aid to Sri Lanka, claiming it created an unexpected obstacle for the relief effort.
About the Author
Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively …Read More
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