Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Flights

Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft for another month, with the restriction now remaining in place until May 24, 2026.

According to a fresh Notice to Airmen issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), Pakistani airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft as well as Indian airlines and operators, including military flights.

The latest extension will stay effective until 4:59 am on May 24. The previous restriction was due to expire on April 24.

The ban applies to both of Pakistan’s flight information regions, Karachi and Lahore, covering the country’s entire controlled airspace.

Pakistan first imposed the restriction in April last year as tensions with India escalated following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir. New Delhi accused Islamabad of involvement without presenting evidence, while Pakistan rejected the allegation and offered a neutral investigation.

Soon after, both countries shut their airspace to each other’s airlines, disrupting regional flight operations and forcing carriers to use longer routes.

Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership had announced the original closure on April 24, 2025, as part of a broader response to steps taken by India.

The restriction has now completed one year, with no sign yet of air connectivity between the two countries returning to normal.