Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Flights Amid Ongoing Tensions

In a significant move, Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft for another month, following reciprocal restrictions imposed after a terrorist attack in April 2025. The ban, which affects all Indian-registered aircraft, including military flights, will remain in effect until late October 2026. This decision comes as the previous ban was nearing expiration, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The airspace is divided into two flight information regions, and the latest restrictions apply to both. Read on for more details about this developing situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 16:02 IST

Airspace Restrictions Continue

Islamabad: On Wednesday, Pakistan announced an extension of its airspace ban on Indian aircraft for an additional month, as confirmed by the country's airports authority.

Following the terrorist incident in Pahalgam in April 2025, both Pakistan and India implemented reciprocal airspace restrictions affecting each other's airlines.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) stated, "Pakistan airspace is not accessible for Indian-registered aircraft, as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines, including military flights."

This extension took effect at 10:45 AM on Wednesday and will remain in place until 04:59 AM on October 24, 2026.

The decision to extend the ban was made as the previous restriction was set to lapse on September 24.

According to a 2022 document from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), the country's airspace is divided into two flight information regions (FIRs) – Karachi and Lahore. The latest NOTAM affects both FIRs.