ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has extended its restriction on the use of its airspace by Indian aircraft until October 24, 2026, according to a Notice to Airmen (Notam) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
The previous extension of the restriction had been scheduled to lapse on September 24, making the new order a further prolongation of a measure that has been in force for more than a year.
Scope of the Restriction
The latest Notam states that Pakistani airspace will remain unavailable to aircraft registered in India, as well as to aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators. The restriction also extends to military flights.
The extension took effect at 10:45am on Wednesday and will remain in force until 4:59am on October 24, 2026.
Pakistan’s airspace is divided into two Flight Information Regions (FIRs), Karachi and Lahore. The latest restriction applies to both the Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) FIRs, meaning Indian carriers cannot route flights through any part of Pakistani territory.
Background to the Closure
Pakistan and India closed their respective airspaces to each other’s airlines in April 2025, following a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir.
On April 24, 2025, Pakistan announced the closure of its airspace to Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines as part of a series of measures taken in response to actions announced by New Delhi.
India accused Pakistan of supporting the Pahalgam attack, a charge Islamabad rejected. Pakistan called for a neutral and transparent investigation into the incident.
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours later escalated into military hostilities in May 2025, including aerial engagements.
Repeated Renewals
Pakistan has since renewed the airspace restriction several times, requiring Indian airlines to take longer routes for some international flights.
- The ban covers Indian-registered aircraft and those owned, operated or leased by Indian carriers.
- Military flights are also barred from Pakistani airspace.
- Both the Karachi and Lahore FIRs are affected.
- The restriction remains in force until 4:59am on October 24, 2026.
The continued closure adds to the operating costs of Indian carriers on routes that would ordinarily cross Pakistani territory, while the broader diplomatic standoff between the two countries shows little sign of easing.
