Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Flights Until May 2026
Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft for another month, keeping the ban in place until May 24, 2026, according to an official Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
Airspace closure extended
Under the latest notification, Pakistani airspace will remain closed to all Indian-registered aircraft, including commercial airlines, leased aircraft, and military flights. The restriction applies across both Karachi and Lahore flight information regions, effectively covering the country’s entire controlled airspace.
The updated ban will remain active until 4:59 am on May 24, extending a previous deadline that was set to expire on April 24.
Background of the restriction
Pakistan originally imposed the airspace closure in April 2025 amid heightened tensions with India following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir. India accused Pakistan without presenting evidence, a claim Islamabad denied while calling for an independent and transparent investigation.
In response to escalating diplomatic tensions, both countries restricted airspace access for each other’s airlines. The move significantly impacted regional aviation, forcing airlines to take longer international routes, increasing travel time and operational costs.
One year of disruption
With the latest extension, the airspace ban has now continued for a full year. Despite repeated extensions, there has been no indication yet of when normal air travel routes between the two countries might resume.
Officials say the restriction remains part of Pakistan’s broader policy response to ongoing regional security concerns, while aviation experts note that prolonged closure continues to affect flight scheduling and fuel costs for airlines operating in South Asia.
