Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian airlines until October 24, 2025, according to an official notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday.
The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) states that the country’s airspace will remain closed to all aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights. The restriction applies at all altitudes, from ground level to unlimited heights.
The ban, which took effect on September 19, will remain in place until October 24 at 4:59 am.
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Background of the Ban
Pakistan initially closed its airspace to Indian carriers in a reciprocal move, following New Delhi’s restrictions after the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Impact on Airlines
The continued closure is creating major operational and financial challenges for Indian airlines, which are now forced to take longer alternate routes to reach destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. This has increased fuel costs, flight durations, and ticket prices, further straining the aviation industry.
