Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft

Pakistan has further extended the ban on the use of its airspace for Indian-registered aircraft, as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines. According to the new directive, the restriction will remain in effect until 4:59 AM on November 24. Military aircraft are also covered under these restrictions. On Saturday, October 17, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced the extension of the ban by issuing a new ‘Notice to Airmen’ (NOTAM). The information was published in reports by Pakistani media outlets Geo News and Dawn.

Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian aircraft since April 23, 2025. The ban was imposed following heightened diplomatic and military tensions between the two countries after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack. However, Islamabad denied the allegations and demanded an independent and transparent investigation. Later, in response to Pakistan’s decision, India also closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft from April 30, 2025.

Subsequently, tensions between the two nations escalated further. On May 6 and 7, 2025, India launched strikes on various locations in Pakistan. In response, Pakistan initiated a counter-operation titled ‘Operation Bunyanum Marsus’, targeting several Indian military installations. During the conflict, Pakistan claimed to have shot down eight Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale jets. Following nearly 87 hours of continuous conflict, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, through US mediation. However, the ban on Indian aircraft using Pakistani airspace has remained in place and has been extended multiple times since then.

Due to the closure of airspace, Indian airlines are forced to use longer alternative routes, resulting in increased flight duration and higher fuel costs. Reports suggest that the impact of this ban on Pakistan’s aviation sector has been relatively limited. Earlier, Pakistan had also closed its airspace to Indian aircraft during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Pulwama crisis. In those instances as well, Indian airlines faced additional operational challenges due to re-routing.

Source: Geo News