Pakistan Keeps Its Airspace Shut to Indian Aircraft for Another Month, Extends Ban to Nov 24

Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft for another month, keeping the ban in place until November 24, 2026, as tensions between the two neighbouring countries continue following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April last year.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced the extension in a post on Saturday, saying the restrictions would remain effective until 4:59 am local time on November 24. The ban covers Indian-registered aircraft, as well as planes owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines. Military flights are also included.

A fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to formalise the extension, according to a PAA spokesperson cited by Geo News. The restriction applies to both of Pakistan’s flight information regions, Karachi and Lahore, effectively keeping the country’s airspace closed to the specified Indian aircraft.

The ban was first imposed on April 23, 2025, and has been extended periodically amid deteriorating relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.

India and Pakistan introduced reciprocal airspace restrictions following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which triggered a major diplomatic and military confrontation. India accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, while Islamabad denied the allegation.

India subsequently closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines on April 30, 2025, in response to Pakistan’s move.

The latest extension means airlines covered by the restrictions must continue to avoid the affected airspace, potentially increasing flight distances, travel times and operating costs on certain international routes.

Airspace restrictions have previously been imposed during periods of heightened tensions between the two countries, including the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Pulwama crisis.

The continuing restrictions underline how the fallout from the Pahalgam attack continues to affect aviation links and regional connectivity, with no immediate indication of a relaxation in the measures.