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KT edit: Lifting of airspace ban gives diplomacy another chance

There are few winners during such restrictive measures.

The lifting of the airspace ban over Pakistan after nearly five months has come as a huge relief for travellers and airlines who have been affected by longer flight times and higher costs. India, as a reciprocal gesture, has also lifted the ban on Pakistan civilian aircraft flying over its airspace. Passengers, in some cases, had to fork out higher fares as the aviation industry scrambled to find solutions after the confrontation between Indian and Pakistani air forces on February 27 following the Balakot strikes.
The aftermath of the brief military escalation was felt by ordinary flyers who have struggled with revised schedules and costs, more so during the summer holiday season. Indian carriers flying to the north of the country from the Americas, Gulf, and Europe bore the brunt of the restrictions.
There are few winners during such restrictive measures. The Indian and Pakistani establishments have taken the right decisions to scale back their state of military preparedness to let normal flying resume over their territories. Such restrictions only vitiate the atmosphere of distrust between countries and people who just want to get on with their lives, away from the spectre of conflicts. Rivalry aside, the airspace restrictions for 140 days was bad for business travellers. It proves that conflicts and tensions only make the fraught world a more dangerous place. Flights have returned to normal and it is hoped the two countries find flyer-friendly ways to resolve their political differences.
Their dispute cannot be wished away at the stroke of a pen but it would be wise to keep the larger interests of the masses in mind. For the record, Air India, Indian's national carrier, faced the maximum losses during the standoff. Now that the danger is past, the two sides would do well to sit together to find a negotiated settlement to their long-pending problems. It takes political will and courage to build a climate of trust. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a new mandate and Pakistan PM Imran Khan has settled into his job. And with the clouds of fear lifted over their respective airspaces, they can travel places for diplomacy.