Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Flights Till August 23, Travel Disruptions Continue

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until August 23 , prolonging restrictions that have remained in place since the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 . The decision ensures that Indian airlines will continue to face longer flight routes, increased operating costs, and extended travel times for passengers.

The extension was announced through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority on Saturday, just days before the previous restriction was due to expire on July 24 . The new directive will remain effective until 11:59 pm on August 23 .

According to the NOTAM, Indian-registered aircraft , as well as aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators , including military flights , will not be permitted to use Pakistani airspace. The restriction applies across both of Pakistan's Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs) .

Pakistan has been renewing the airspace closure every month since last year, preventing Indian carriers from using one of the shortest international routes for westbound flights. As a result, airlines have been forced to take longer alternate paths, increasing fuel consumption, flight durations and operational expenses while also affecting passengers through extended journey times.

India continues to maintain a reciprocal ban on all Pakistani-registered aircraft, airlines and military flights. The measure was introduced as part of a broader set of actions taken after the Pahalgam terrorist attack , in which 26 people were killed .

The reciprocal restrictions have kept the skies between the two neighbouring countries effectively closed to each other's airlines for more than a year, with no indication of an immediate breakthrough. The latest extension suggests that normal air connectivity between India and Pakistan remains unlikely in the near future as bilateral tensions continue.