Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft until August 24

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has once again extended ban on Indian aircraft entering its airspace, the restriction now remaining effective until August 24, 2026, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed on Saturday.

In line with government instructions, the PAA issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), renewing the measure that has been in force since April 23, 2025. The restriction applies to all aircraft registered in India, flights operated by Indian airlines, and planes leased by Indian aviation companies.

The previous NOTAM was scheduled to lapse at 4:59am on July 24, but the latest notification keeps the ban in place for another month. Pakistan had also renewed the restriction in May 2026, a decision that reportedly inflicted financial losses worth billions of rupees on Indian carriers.

Before this latest move, the ban had already been extended last month, preventing Indian-registered aircraft from using Pakistani airspace until July 24.

Islamabad first shut its airspace to Indian aircraft following heightened tensions between the two neighbours after the 2025 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Since then, the measure has been rolled over several times, with the newest extension signalling that the restrictions will remain in force for at least another month.

The continued closure means Indian airlines operating westbound international routes must fly along longer alternative corridors, leading to increased fuel consumption, extended flight times and significantly higher operating costs.