Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Flights Amid Ongoing Tensions

Airspace Closure Extended

Lahore: On Friday, Pakistan announced an extension of its airspace closure for Indian flights, which will now last until June 24, as per a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority.

This decision aligns with the regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which stipulate that such closures can only be enforced for a maximum duration of one month.

According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the restriction on Indian aircraft will remain in effect until 4:59 AM on June 24, 2025.

The ban encompasses all aircraft that are registered, operated, owned, or leased by Indian entities, including military aircraft.

The PAA emphasized that no flights operated by Indian airlines or operators will be permitted to utilize Pakistani airspace.

This airspace ban was initially implemented last month following actions taken by New Delhi in response to the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities.

The original ban was set to expire on May 23, adhering to ICAO guidelines that limit airspace restrictions to one month.

The recent extension comes shortly after an IndiGo pilot, flying from Delhi to Srinagar, requested permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to briefly enter Pakistani airspace to avoid a hailstorm, but the request was denied.