Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until September 24, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The restriction covers Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines and operators.
The latest order took effect on August 18. It will remain in force until 4:59 a.m. Pakistan Standard Time on September 24.
Ban Covers Pakistan’s Airspace
The restriction applies to both the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions. Together, these regions cover Pakistan’s controlled airspace.
Military flights operated by Indian entities also remain subject to the restriction. Pakistan has repeatedly extended the measure since first introducing it in April 2025.
Restrictions Followed 2025 Tensions
Pakistan initially closed its airspace to Indian aircraft after relations deteriorated following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The attack killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the incident, while Islamabad denied the allegation.
Tensions later escalated into a four-day military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in May 2025. Although a ceasefire has held since then, bilateral relations remain strained.
Indian Airlines Face Higher Costs
The prolonged airspace closure has forced Indian airlines to reroute several international flights. As a result, carriers face longer flight times and higher fuel and operating costs.
Air India has been among the airlines most affected. The carrier operates long-haul routes to Europe and North America, making the additional flying distance particularly significant.
Airspace Dispute Continues
Pakistan’s latest extension shows that the aviation restrictions remain part of the broader tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Meanwhile, the measure continues to affect commercial aviation and regional flight routes. Further extensions will depend on developments in bilateral relations.
