Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian-registered aircraft till August 23, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday.

Pakistan first banned its airspace for Indian aircraft on Apr. 23, 2025, after tensions escalated between the neighbors over an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Both countries engaged in a days-long military conflict in May last year, with Pakistan extending its airspace ban since then.

The restriction has forced Indian carriers to reroute international flights and absorb higher fuel and operational costs.

“Pakistan airspace not available for Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights,” the NOTAM said.

According to the NOTAM, the restriction will remain in force until 11:59pm on Aug 23, 2026.

New Delhi had blamed the April attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists on Pakistan. Islamabad denied it.

While the ceasefire between both countries has held for over a year since they engaged in the conflict, tensions persist. 

Pakistan’s ban has affected carriers such as Air India, which operate long-haul flights to Europe and North America and have been under financial pressure due to the restriction.

Source: Arab News