Pakistan extends ban on Indian aircraft through Sept 24 amid continuing tensions

Pakistan and India imposed matching airspace restrictions on each other's airlines after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until September 24, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority.The restriction applies to Indian-registered aircraft as well as planes operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators. Military flights are also covered by the ban.The latest extension comes shortly before the existing restriction was due to expire on August 23. According to the NOTAM, the renewed restrictions will begin at 10:15 am on August 23 and remain effective until 4:59 am on September 24.'There Is No Space For War In Nuclearised Environment': Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's Anti-India Rhetoric Amid Afghan War Airspace Restrictions Cover Karachi, Lahore RegionsThe restriction applies across Pakistan’s two flight information regions (FIRs), Karachi and Lahore. Pakistan’s airspace is divided into these two regions for managing and coordinating aircraft movements, according to a Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority document.The ban has been repeatedly extended since it was first imposed, adding to operational challenges for airlines using routes between India and other destinations.Restrictions on airspace access can force airlines to take longer alternative routes, increasing fuel consumption, operating costs and journey times. The prolonged measures have therefore created financial pressure for carriers while also extending travel times for passengers. India Maintains Reciprocal Ban on Pakistani AircraftIndia and Pakistan introduced reciprocal restrictions on each other’s airlines following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.Pakistan subsequently barred Indian aircraft from using its airspace, while India imposed similar restrictions on Pakistani-registered aircraft, airlines and military flights.India continues to maintain its restrictions as part of measures taken against Pakistan following the attack.The repeated extensions highlight the continuing impact of strained bilateral relations on civil aviation. With neither side having lifted its respective restrictions, airlines operating in the region continue to face longer routes and increased operational costs.The latest Pakistani extension means the restriction on Indian aircraft will remain in place for at least another month, unless Islamabad decides to modify or withdraw the measure before its September 24 expiry.

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft for until Sep 24, according to a Notice to Airmen (Notam) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The extension comes as the previous restriction was due to expire on Aug 23. “Pakistan airspace not available for Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights,” the Notam, issued early on Wednesday, said. According to the Notam, the extension took effect on Aug 23 at 10:15am and will remain in force until 4:59am on Sept 24. The country’s airspace is divided into two flight information regions (FIRs) — Karachi and Lahore, according to a Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) document from 2022. The Notam applies to both the Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) FIRs. India and Pakistan closed their airspaces to each other’s airlines in late April 2025, when tensions between them escalated in the wake of a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam. On April 24, Pakistan’s top brass had announced a series of measures, including the closure of its airspace to all India-owned or Indian-operated airlines with immediate effect, as it retaliated against New Delhi’s slew of aggressive measures against the country. Since then, Pakistan has extended the ban several times. New Delhi, without evidence, had alleged that Islamabad backed the attack; however, Pakistan had strongly denied any involvement and offered a neutral probe. The nuclear powers had the fiercest air battle in May, in which Pakistan said it downed seven Indian fighter jets.

Restriction applies to all civil and military aircraft of Indian-registered airlines