ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended its airspace closure on all Indian aircraft until August 23, the Pakistan Airports Authority said on Friday.
According to a new NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), the ban applies to all Indian commercial airlines, India-registered aircraft, and military flights from entering Pakistani airspace.
The restrictions were initially enforced on April 23 and have been consistently renewed since then.
As a result, Indian airlines have been forced to reroute international flights, causing longer travel times and increased operational costs.
India-Pakistan tensions
Tension between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India swiftly blamed Pakistan without presenting any credible evidence.
Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly denied the Indian allegations. Pakistan also offered a neutral and transparent international investigation into the incident.
However, New Delhi did not respond to Pakistan’s offer and continued with its aggressive posture.
On the night of May 6-7, India launched a series of air strikes on Pakistan, resulting in civilian casualties.
Pakistan responded firmly and downed five Indian fighter jets and destroyed a brigade headquarters and several military posts. Both sides then exchanged missiles, which stretched over the week.
On May 10, when tensions between the two countries peaked, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached between India and Pakistan.
According to the government, 40 civilians — including 7 women and 15 children — lost their lives in the Indian aggression, and 121 others sustained injuries.
