NEW DELHI: There are reports that India is gearing up for another missile test. The news of the missile test started circulating with the announcement that the airspace will be partially closed today and tomorrow, as well as in the Bay of Bengal and the area around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The airspace will be closed for three hours each on May 23 and May 24.

Although the authorities have announced that the airspace will be closed, the reason for this has not been specified in the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). The authorities are indicating that there is no need to explain the clear reason for this in the notice. According to a report released by a national media, the airspace is often closed without specifying the reason for military exercises and weapons tests. It is believed that the airspace around the Andaman is being closed for these reasons to conduct missile tests or weapons tests. However, no official response has been received in this regard.

India has used the Andaman and Nicobar Islands region for missile tests in the past. The most recent example was the test of the Brahmos supersonic missile in January. India also conducted a ballistic missile test in the region in April last year. The closure of the airspace is expected to affect many international flights. The report also states that although the airspace closure has been announced, no alternative routes have been suggested.