ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until September 24, according to a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Under the latest notice, restrictions on the entry of Indian-registered airlines, leased aircraft, and commercial and military aircraft owned or operated by Indian nationals remain in effect from August 18 until 4:59 am Pakistan Standard Time on September 24.
The restrictions cover aircraft registered in India as well as leased aircraft and commercial and military planes owned or operated by Indian citizens.
The PAA had earlier prolonged the ban for several times since April 30, a decision that reportedly caused Indian airlines losses worth billions of rupees.
Pakistan initially closed its airspace to Indian carriers in April last year after New Delhi suspended the Indus Waters Treaty amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India accused Pakistan of involvement in the incident, allegations that Islamabad strongly denied while demanding an impartial investigation.
In response to Pakistan’s move, India also barred Pakistani airlines from using its airspace on April 30 last year.
Tensions later escalated further when India launched strikes on multiple Pakistani cities, following the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan retaliated with a large-scale military operation named “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”, targeting several Indian military installations across different regions.
While Indian airlines have reportedly suffered major financial losses because of the airspace restrictions, the impact on Pakistan’s aviation sector has remained comparatively limited.
