Airspace Over Andaman and Nicobar Islands Closed for Potential Missile Testing
The airspace over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been closed for two days, leading to speculation about potential missile testing. A notice to airmen has restricted flights in the area, coinciding with ongoing military operations against terrorist bases. The region has a history of serving as a strategic testing ground for India's defense capabilities, with previous missile tests conducted here. As the government maintains peace along the India-Pakistan border, analysts are interpreting the airspace restrictions as a sign of upcoming significant defense activities. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.
May 23, 2025, 11:49 IST
Closure of Airspace in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The airspace above the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been closed today and tomorrow. A notice to airmen has been issued by India, effective for May 23 and 24. According to this notice, the airspace will be restricted for three hours on each of these days. This has sparked speculation regarding possible missile or weapon system tests.
As per the notice to airmen (NOTAM), no aircraft will be permitted to fly at any altitude over the Bay of Bengal and the surrounding Andaman Sea during this period. The potential land-attack missile testing is occurring at a time when peace has been maintained along the India-Pakistan border. However, the government continues to emphasize that operations against terrorist bases in neighboring countries, initiated on May 7, are ongoing. The last significant test in this region was the BrahMos supersonic missile test conducted in January.
It is noteworthy that this NOTAM regarding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was issued on May 16. This notice prohibits civilian flights from entering the specified airspace during the designated time frame. Although the exact nature of the "planned aerial activity" has not been disclosed, which is not a requirement in the NOTAM, defense analysts interpret the closure's location and duration as indicative of potential missile testing.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have frequently served as strategic testing grounds for India's defense capabilities. In January 2025, India successfully conducted a salvo-mode test of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in this area. Previously, in April 2024, a ballistic missile was tested there, and in March 2022, an extended-range BrahMos was launched from a pad in the island chain. While official confirmation of missile testing is awaited, the patterns of past activities and the current restrictions have heightened expectations that India is preparing for another significant test.