ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended its airspace closure on Indian flights by another month, stretching it until June 24, 2025, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Friday.
According to the authority, the ban applies to all aircraft registered in India, or operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights.
The ban, initially enforced on April 24, following an escalation of tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
As a result, Indian airlines have been forced to reroute international flights, causing longer travel times and increased operational costs.
The Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA) stated that the situation is under close observation and that the airspace restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
This development comes against the backdrop of intensifying diplomatic and military strains between the two neighboring countries.
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.
