Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until 5:00 am on February 24, amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed the decision on Tuesday, stating the restriction applies to all Indian-owned, operated and leased aircraft, including military planes. Ban has been in effect for the past nine months.

Move follows a deadly attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which triggered a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations. New Delhi responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial bilateral agreement governing water-sharing between the two countries.

Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian airlines, prompting India to shut its own airspace to Pakistani carriers on 30th April. Both nations have maintained these restrictions since then.

Pakistan Airports Authority said the latest extension is a continuation of the existing ban. Decision affects commercial and military aviation operations between the two countries, forcing airlines to take longer, costlier routes.

Pakistan has previously imposed similar airspace restrictions during periods of heightened tension. Country closed its airspace to Indian aircraft during the 1999 Kargil conflict and following the 2019 Pulwama crisis, when a suicide bombing killed dozens of Indian security personnel.

Current tensions stem from the Pahalgam attack, which occurred in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Incident marked a significant escalation in the disputed region, leading to tit-for-tat measures from both governments.

Airspace closure has significant economic implications for airlines operating in South Asia, as they must circumvent Pakistani airspace when flying between India and destinations westward, adding flight time and fuel costs.