Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban On Indian Aircraft Till September 24

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until September 24, keeping the restriction in place for another month amid continued tensions between the two countries.

The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday. It said Pakistani airspace will not be available to Indian registered aircraft, aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators, or Indian military flights.

The new restriction will take effect at 10:15 am on August 23 and remain in force until 4:59 am on September 24, according to the NOTAM. It covers both the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions, which together cover Pakistan's controlled airspace.

The decision extends a measure first imposed after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in which 26 people were killed. India and Pakistan later introduced matching airspace restrictions on each other's aircraft as relations worsened.

Pakistan has extended the restriction repeatedly since then, with the latest order coming just days before the previous one was due to end on August 23. The continued restrictions have forced Indian airlines to take longer routes on several international services, adding to fuel use and operating costs.

The impact has been especially serious for carriers operating flights towards Europe, West Asia and North America. Longer routes mean more flying time and higher fuel costs. Air India has previously estimated that the Pakistan airspace restriction could add about USD 600 million in annual costs if it continued for a year.

The wider aviation impact has also been worsened by other airspace restrictions and high fuel prices. Air India had announced temporary cuts to several international services in 2026, citing airspace restrictions and rising fuel costs.

India, meanwhile, continues to maintain a reciprocal restriction on Pakistani aircraft, including Pakistani registered planes and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Pakistani airlines, as well as military flights.