Pakistan has announced an extension of its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until next month, intensifying the ongoing aviation restrictions between the two neighboring countries. The decision was formalized through a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) on Wednesday, extending the closure until November 23.
The restriction applies to all Indian-registered aircraft, including leased planes and commercial airlines, preventing them from using Pakistani airspace for overflights or transit routes. This extension continues the ban initially imposed earlier this year following heightened tensions between the two nations.
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In May, India reportedly carried out an airstrike within Pakistani territory, prompting Islamabad to take strict security measures by closing its airspace to Indian flights. Officials stated that the decision was made to ensure the safety and sovereignty of Pakistan’s airspace amid regional instability.
The prolonged closure has caused significant operational and financial strain on Indian carriers, which have been forced to reroute flights, leading to increased travel time, higher fuel consumption, and substantial monetary losses. Aviation analysts estimate that Indian airlines have collectively suffered losses worth billions of rupees due to the ongoing restrictions.
Meanwhile, aviation authorities in Pakistan have indicated that the airspace will remain closed until further notice or until the government reviews the situation. The decision underscores persistent regional tensions and highlights the broader impact of geopolitical conflicts on international air travel and trade routes.