ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until August 24, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday, prolonging restrictions first imposed following heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in 2025.
The PAA said in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that Indian-registered aircraft, as well as aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators, would remain barred from using Pakistani airspace until 2359 Pakistan Standard Time on August 24, 2026.
The restriction also applies to Indian military aircraft, according to the aviation authority.
The latest extension follows a series of monthly renewals since the restriction was first imposed in April 2025. The previous extension, announced last month, was due to expire on July 24.
Pakistan initially closed its airspace to Indian aircraft after tensions surged following the April 2025 attack in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The following day, India announced a series of measures against Pakistan, including suspending the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, shutting down the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and reducing diplomatic staff at each other’s missions.
In response, Pakistan imposed restrictions on Indian aircraft using its airspace. India subsequently closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines on April 30, 2025.
The tensions escalated further in May 2025 when India carried out strikes on several Pakistani cities, targeting the civilian population. The Indian strikes had caused civilian casualties and damage to a mosque.
Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting Indian military installations, including airbases, missile storage facilities and other strategic sites.
During the conflict, Pakistani armed forces shot down seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale jets.
The military confrontation lasted about 87 hours before a ceasefire was announced on May 10, 2025. The US President Donald Trump said the truce had been reached after intensive diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and India’s foreign secretary later confirmed the ceasefire separately.
The continued closure of Pakistani airspace has had a significantly greater financial impact on Indian airlines than on Pakistan’s aviation sector.
The restrictions have forced Indian carriers operating westbound international services to take longer alternative routes, increasing flight times, fuel consumption and operating costs.
