Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft Till August 23

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI, July 19: Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace to all Indian-registered and Indian-operated aircraft until August 23, according to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority. The extension comes ahead of the expiry of the previous restriction on July 24 and continues the reciprocal aviation measures imposed by both countries following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. The NOTAM states that Pakistan’s airspace will remain unavailable to Indian-registered aircraft, as well as aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights, until 11:59 pm on August 23. The restriction applies to both of Pakistan’s Flight Information Regions (FIRs) — Karachi and Lahore. Pakistan has been extending the airspace ban on a monthly basis since last year, resulting in longer flight durations and increased operational costs for airlines. India has also continued its reciprocal ban on all Pakistani-registered aircraft, airlines, and military flights as part of the measures taken after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Following the attack, both countries closed their respective airspace to each other’s airlines, and the restrictions remain in force.