ISLAMABAD – Pakistan once again prolonged its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft, extending ban until August 24 in a stern move that continues to impact regional aviation and increase operational costs for Indian carriers.
Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) shared update through Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Saturday. Under latest directive, Pakistani airspace will remain closed to all Indian-registered aircraft as well as planes owned, operated, or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military aircraft, until 11:59 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time on August 24.
The restriction was imposed last year after skirmishes between Pakistan and India over Kashmir tensions, since then, Islamabad repeatedly renewed the measure, with the latest extension keeping the aviation restrictions in force for at least another month.
The previous extension had been scheduled to expire on July 24, but the fresh NOTAM confirms that the closure will continue beyond that date.
The ongoing airspace ban affected Indian airlines operating westbound international routes. Carriers are being forced to take longer alternative flight paths, resulting in increased fuel consumption, extended flight durations, and higher operating expenses. The rerouting has also added logistical challenges for airlines serving destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
The latest extension shows that aviation remains one of the sectors directly affected by the prolonged strain in relations between the two neighboring countries, with no immediate indication of the restrictions being eased.
Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircrafts until June 24
