KARACHI: Indian airlines are going to be hit by more financial losses as Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian-registered aircraft for another month.
The airspace ban has now run for over a year, badly affecting Indian carriers’ long-haul operations. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has confirmed the restriction will remain in effect until 24 August 2026.
It covers all Indian civilian and military aircraft, along with any planes owned, operated, or leased by Indian airlines or operators. The ban applies across both of Pakistan’s flight information regions, including Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR).
The Pakistani airspace closure has remained effective since April 2025, which has pushed Indian carriers onto longer, costlier routes to Europe, North America, and Central Asia. Air India Group, in which Singapore Airlines holds a 25 percent stake, posted a record annual loss of roughly USD2.8 billion for fiscal year 2025-26. In addition, Air India’s Delhi-Washington, D.C. operations have remained suspended since September 2025.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026