Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft till Aug 24
- Continued closure forces Indian carriers to take longer alternative routes
Pakistan has extended its airspace closure for Indian aircraft until August 24, continuing restrictions imposed due to heightened tensions, impacting Indian carriers with increased costs.
- Reasons for Pakistan's airspace restrictions.
- Increased operational costs for Indian airlines.
- The repeated extensions of the airspace closure.
Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for Indian-registered aircraft and planes operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights, until August 24, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA, the restriction on Indian aircraft using Pakistani airspace will remain in force until 2359 hours Pakistan Standard Time on August 24.
Pakistan had initially imposed the airspace restrictions amid heightened tensions with India, following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 2025. The restriction has since been extended multiple times and the latest extension indicates that the restrictions will remain in place for another month.
Last month, Pakistan had extended its ban on Indian-registered aircraft from using its airspace until July 24.
The continued closure forces Indian carriers operating westbound international flights to take longer alternative routes, increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.