ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has extended its restriction on Indian aircraft using its airspace until late August, keeping in place a ban that prevents Indian-registered planes and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines from flying through Pakistani airspace, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said in a new aviation notice.
The PAA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) extending the restriction until Aug. 23, according to the notice. The measure applies to Indian civilian and military aircraft, including Indian-registered aircraft and planes operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators.
The extension continues a restriction first imposed in April 2025 as relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors deteriorated following heightened tensions after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has renewed the airspace closure several times since then.
The latest NOTAM applies to Pakistan’s two flight information regions, Karachi and Lahore, according to aviation authorities. The previous restriction was scheduled to expire on July 24 before the latest extension was announced.
The airspace closure has affected Indian carriers operating international routes, forcing airlines to use longer flight paths around Pakistan. Aviation industry officials have said such rerouting can increase fuel consumption, flight times and operating costs, particularly for routes connecting northern India with destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North America.
India and Pakistan had taken reciprocal aviation measures during the broader diplomatic and security dispute, with both sides restricting access to their airspace for airlines from the other country. The restrictions followed a period of military confrontation between the two countries in 2025, including exchanges of strikes and international calls for restraint.
Pakistan has said its decisions were linked to security concerns, while India has maintained its own position in response to developments between the countries. Neither side has announced a broader agreement to fully restore normal aviation access.
The PAA’s latest notice keeps the ban active until August 23, with no immediate change announced by Pakistani aviation authorities.
