India Prolongs Airspace Ban on Pakistan Aircraft Until May 24

India has officially extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft using its airspace until May 24, 2025. This decision follows a series of airspace closures initiated after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Both nations have been reciprocating these restrictions, impacting flight operations significantly. The latest NOTAM confirms that all Pakistan-registered aircraft, including military flights, will remain barred from Indian airspace. As a result, Indian airlines are now forced to take longer routes for international travel. This ongoing situation highlights the tense relations between the two countries and the implications for aviation in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 16:51 IST

India's Airspace Restrictions on Pakistan Aircraft Extended

New Delhi: The Indian government has decided to extend the prohibition on the use of its airspace by Pakistani aircraft until May 24.

This latest extension means that the ban will have been in effect for over a year, a measure that was first implemented shortly after the Pahalgam terror incident on April 22, 2025.

Since April of the previous year, both nations have been consistently renewing the closure of their airspaces to each other's aircraft. On Tuesday, Pakistan also announced an extension of its airspace ban until May 24.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Wednesday confirmed that Indian airspace will remain off-limits for any aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as those owned or leased by Pakistani airlines, including military flights.

The ban is set to last until 2359 hours (UTC) on May 23, which translates to 0530 hours (IST) on May 24.

Following the tragic attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, both India and Pakistan opted to close their airspaces to each other's flights.

India's airspace restrictions have been in place since April 30 of last year, while Pakistan's ban on Indian aircraft began on April 24, 2025.

This airspace ban is part of a series of actions taken by the Indian government in response to the terror attack and was initially set to expire on May 24, 2025, but has been extended monthly since then.

Typically, a NOTAM serves as a crucial communication tool for those involved in flight operations, providing essential information.

Due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, Indian airlines are now required to take longer routes to reach various international destinations.