ISLAMABAD : The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has further extended the ban on the use of Pakistani airspace by Indian-registered aircraft, with the restriction now set to remain in force until September 24, 2026.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the authority, the closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian aviation will now be effective from August 18 through September 24, 2026. The latest extension marks a continued hardening of Pakistan’s stance on overflight rights for Indian carriers.
The NOTAM explicitly states that the ban applies to all aircraft managed, owned, or leased by Indian airlines and operators. Notably, the restriction also includes military flights, which have not been granted any exemption from the prohibition.
Pakistani authorities had previously imposed the airspace closure for Indian aircraft, and the latest NOTAM represents a further prolongation of that policy. No specific reason was cited for the fresh extension in the official notification, though the move is widely seen as part of ongoing bilateral tensions between the two neighbors.
The extended ban is expected to significantly impact Indian carriers operating on routes to Europe, the Middle East, and other western destinations, as they will continue to be forced to take longer, costlier alternative flight paths bypassing Pakistani territory. Industry analysts note that the prolonged closure adds to operational costs and flight durations for Indian airlines.
As of this reporting, neither India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation nor the Pakistan Airports Authority has issued any additional statement regarding the extension.
