ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended its airspace closure for Indian aircraft, which is now going to last until the dawn of February 24, 2026.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) stated that the entire Indian civil and military aviation will not be allowed to fly through the nation’s airspace. The prolongation of the ban was announced through an official NOTAM.
The restriction, which was first applied in May 2025 during the “Battle of Bunyan-ul-Marsus,” was meant to be a temporary solution. But now, it has been extended for the eighth time already, even though there has been a truce between the two nations.
According to the PAA staff members, the restriction will be strictly followed. The decision has enormous implications for the Indian airlines which are now being compelled to take the lengthier routes, resulting in more time for the flights and higher costs for operations.
The airspace ban that is still in force indicates that the relations between the two countries remain strained, as both India and Pakistan are taking cautious steps, even though diplomatic attempts to calm down the situation have been made.
Pakistan in talks with 13 countries for jets, drones, and weapons deals: Report
Pakistan’s defence manufacturing sector is witnessing an uptick in international interest following the “combat-tested” status of its jets, drones, and missiles during last year’s conflict with India, according to a Reuters report.
The report cited three Pakistani sources with knowledge of defence sales, saying Islamabad has held discussions with 13 countries, with six to eight deals reportedly in an advanced stage. The deals involve the JF-17 fighter jets, jointly produced with China, as well as training aircraft, drones, and various weapons systems.
The recognition of Pakistan’s defence products as combat-tested has significantly boosted their appeal in the global market, highlighting the country’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing.
Officials believe these developments could lead to major defence export contracts, further strengthening Pakistan’s position in the international defence industry.
The report says that the sources said countries engaged in talks include Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Nigeria as well as the government in eastern Libya led by Khalifa Haftar.
Discussions on JF-17s and other weapons with Bangladesh and Iraq have been publicly acknowledged by Pakistan’s military, although more details have not been made public.
Almost all the potential buyers are Muslim-majority nations, like Pakistan. Many are from the predominantly Muslim Middle East, where Pakistan has historically been a security provider.
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