Pakistan Prolongs Airspace Ban on Indian Flights Until Late September

Airspace Restrictions Extended

Islamabad: On Wednesday, Pakistan announced an extension of its airspace ban on Indian aircraft, which will now last until September 24, as confirmed by the country's airports authority.

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

According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority, Indian-registered aircraft, as well as those operated or leased by Indian airlines—including military flights—are prohibited from using Pakistan's airspace.

This decision comes just ahead of the previous ban's expiration on August 23.

The NOTAM specifies that the new restrictions will take effect at 10:15 AM on August 23 and will remain in place until 4:59 AM on September 24.

A document from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) indicates that the country's airspace is divided into two flight information regions (FIRs): Karachi and Lahore.

The current NOTAM affects both FIRs.

This ongoing ban, which has been extended monthly since last year, has led to financial difficulties for airlines and increased travel times for passengers.

In response to the Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 fatalities, India has also enforced a similar airspace ban on all Pakistani-registered aircraft, airlines, and military flights, maintaining the restrictions since the incident.