Pakistan on Wednesday extended the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft until September 24, according to the country’s airports authority, prolonging restrictions that have been in place since the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, news agency PTI reported.
Pakistan and India imposed matching airspace restrictions on each other’s airlines after the Pahalgam attack.
“Pakistan airspace not available for Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights,” said a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority.
The decision comes ahead of the expiry of the previous restriction on August 23. According to the NOTAM, the extension will take effect from 10.15 am on August 23 and will remain in force until 4.59 am on September 24.
A NOTAM is an official communication issued to pilots and aviation authorities containing important information related to flight operations, including restrictions and other operational requirements.
As per a Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) document from 2022, the country’s airspace is divided into two flight information regions (FIRs) — Karachi and Lahore. The latest NOTAM applies to both the Karachi and Lahore FIRs.
Indian airlines face longer routes, higher costs amid airspace ban
The restriction covers Indian-registered aircraft as well as aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights.
The ban has been extended monthly since last year, causing financial problems for airlines and extended travel time for passengers. The prolonged closure has affected international flight operations, with Indian carriers required to plan alternative routes for flights that would otherwise use Pakistani airspace.
The restrictions have also resulted in longer flight times, increased fuel consumption and higher operational costs for airlines. Carriers have had to make adjustments to their flight routes and schedules to avoid the restricted airspace.
The reciprocal airspace restrictions were imposed following the Pahalgam terror attack, which took place in April 2025 and killed 26 people. Both countries subsequently introduced measures restricting aviation access to each other’s aircraft.
India has also maintained a reciprocal airspace ban on all Pakistani-registered aircraft, airlines and military flights as part of measures taken against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people last year.
Both countries closed their respective airspace to each other’s airlines after the attack.
(With inputs from PTI)
Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: