Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft until Sept 24
Islamabad : The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until September 24, 2026.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) continuing the restriction through the Lahore and Karachi Flight Information Regions.
The closure applies to all aircraft registered in India, owned, operated, or leased by Indian carriers or nationals. It includes both commercial flights and Indian military aircraft.
According to the NOTAM, the ban, effective from Aug 18, applies to all aircraft registered in India, Indian airlines, aircraft leased by India, and commercial and military aircraft owned or operated by Indian nationals.
The restriction will remain in force until 4:59am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on Sept 24. The airspace closure was initially imposed on April 23, 2025, and the latest notification marks the 16th NOTAM issued to extend the restriction.
Pakistan barred Indian airlines from using its airspace in April last year after the Indian BJP government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.
Tensions escalated further when India launched strikes on several Pakistani cities on May 6 and 7, 2025. Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting multiple Indian military installations in a large-scale retaliatory operation.
During the defense against Indian aggression and violations, Pakistan shot down eight Indian fighter aircraft, including three Rafale jets, along with dozens of drones. The hostilities lasted nearly 87 hours before both nuclear-armed neighbors agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10.
The airspace restrictions have had a far greater financial impact on India’s aviation sector, while Pakistan’s aviation industry has experienced comparatively limited disruption.
