KARACHI: Pakistan has once again extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace for another month, says a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
Under the latest NOTAM, all Indian-registered aircraft, as well as aircraft owned, operated, Indian military flights or leased by Indian airlines or operators, will continue to be prohibited from entering Pakistani airspace until August 24, 2026.
Pakistan and India closed their airspaces to each other’s airlines since late April 2025, when tensions between them escalated in the wake of a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
Since then, Pakistan has extended the ban several times. 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.
Pakistan’s airspace comprises the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs), and the NOTAM applies to both sectors, preventing Indian commercial and military flights from operating through either corridor.
The prolonged closure has forced Indian airlines operating long-haul routes to Europe, North America, and the Middle East to take longer alternative routes, increasing flight times, fuel consumption, and operating costs.
Aviation analysts say the restrictions continue to place financial pressure on carriers, particularly those with extensive international networks. With the latest NOTAM, Pakistan has reaffirmed that no Indian civilian or military aircraft will be allowed to use its airspace until August 24, 2026, unless a new aviation notice modifies or lifts the restriction.
Read also: Pakistan extends Airspace ban on Indian Aircraft until February 2026
