Islamabad: The Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) has extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft for another month until May 24, marking a year of flight restrictions on India’s airlines.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA said, “Pakistani airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft, or Indian airlines/operators (including military flights)”.
The notice added that the ban will remain effective until 4:59 a.m. on May 24, 2026. The previous extension had been due to expire on April 24.
India and Pakistan have closed their airspaces to each other’s airlines since late April 2025, when tensions between them escalated in the wake of the Pahalgam attack in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi, without evidence, had alleged that Islamabad backed the attack. However, Pakistan had strongly denied any involvement and offered a neutral probe.
Tensions further escalated in May after Indian aggression, leading to one of the most intense aerial confrontations between the two nuclear-armed states in recent years. During the conflict, Pakistan downed several Indian fighter jets and launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting military installations in response.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, regional perceptions shifted markedly, with Pakistan’s global stature rising while India came under increased scrutiny for its actions.
