Politicizing civil aviation: Indian govt extends ban on Pakistani aircraft
New Delhi: In a move that reflects the politicization of civil aviation, the BJP-led Indian government has once again extended the ban on Pakistani aircraft entering India’s airspace till August 23, 2025.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the decision in a post on X, stating, “Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace has been officially extended until 23rd August 2025.”
The Indian minister further added, “This extension reflects continued strategic considerations and is in line with prevailing security protocols.
The extension follows the closure of Indian airspace to Pakistani aircraft after the Pahalgam attack in April and India’s Operation Sindoor. Since then, the Indian government has periodically renewed the ban by issuing NOTAMs on a monthly basis.
Critics argue that this repeated extension of the ban on Pakistani aircraft signals the politicization of civil aviation and risks undermining regional connectivity, contrary to the spirit of the 1944 Chicago Convention, which advocates for open and cooperative air traffic rights between nations.
