As of April 29, 2025, Pahalgam, a renowned tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, remains under heightened security following a tragic Pakistan militant attack on April 22 that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly Hindu tourists. In response, Indian authorities have closed over half of the region’s tourist sites to ensure safety and security forces have intensified operations.
A claim circulating on social media suggests that Iran has opened its airspace specifically for Pakistan against India and that Kuwait has also permitted Pakistan to use its airspace in this context.
Fact Check
Upon investigation, we found the claim to be false. Upon reviewing credible aviation and governmental sources, no evidence supports the claims that Iran or Kuwait has made special provisions for Pakistan regarding airspace usage against India.
No Official Iranian Announcement: There is no statement from Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, or reputable international news agencies indicating that Iran has opened (or restricted) its airspace specifically for Pakistani operations against India.
Neither Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation nor its Foreign Ministry has issued any notice or press release granting Pakistan special airspace rights at the expense of India. No commercial flight mapping or industry advisory reflects such a change. Routine Overflight Rights: Kuwait routinely approves overflight permits for all ICAO-member states, including India and Pakistan, on a case-by-case, flight-specific basis. These are commercial arrangements, not geopolitical endorsements.
The ICAO NOTAM database and airline bulletins report no alteration in Kuwaiti airspace policy favouring Pakistan over India.
Furthermore, a news report published on 26 April 2025 by The New Indian Express reported, “India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbours of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties. Like other neighbours, we consider them our foremost priority,” Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said in a social media post.
Araghchi said Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to “forge greater understanding at this difficult time” in line with the spirit of Persian poet Saadi.”
Conclusion
Neither part of the claim is true and likely started as rumors on social media. There is no proof that Iran opened its airspace specifically for Pakistan, or that Kuwait made any such announcement.
