Pakistan has announced that its airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft until January 23, 2026. The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh NOTAM following federal government approval, continuing the restrictions first imposed on April 23, 2025.
The airspace closure has forced Air India to reroute flights through China, significantly increasing operational costs, including a 29% rise in fuel expenses. The airline faces annual losses of up to $45 million and is seeking compensation from the Indian government while requesting approval to use China’s Xinjiang airspace.
Officials confirmed that the extension aligns with Pakistan’s existing policy on airspace restrictions for Indian aircraft. Longer flight routes to the US, Canada, and Europe continue to escalate operational costs, emphasizing the economic and logistical challenges created by the prolonged closure.
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