Pakistan Extends Indian Aircraft Airspace Ban Until October 24

KARACHI: Pakistan has extended its restriction on Indian aircraft using Pakistani airspace until October 24, 2026, continuing a measure that has remained in place for more than a year. The latest notification keeps Pakistani airspace unavailable to Indian-registered aircraft as well as aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights.

The renewed restriction means affected Indian carriers will continue to avoid Pakistani airspace and rely on alternative routings for international services. Flights travelling between India and destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia can face longer journeys when direct routes through Pakistan are unavailable, increasing fuel consumption and other operational costs for airlines.

The Pakistan Airports Authority issued the latest Notice to Airmen as part of the continuing restrictions. The measure was initially introduced on April 23, 2025, and the latest extension represents another continuation of the same policy rather than a newly created ban. The previous extension had kept the restriction in force until September 24.

The airspace restrictions emerged during a period of sharply deteriorating relations between Pakistan and India following the April 2025 attack in Pahalgam. India accused Pakistan of involvement, while Islamabad rejected the allegation and called for an independent and transparent investigation. India subsequently imposed its own restrictions on Pakistani aircraft, leaving airlines on both sides unable to use the other country's airspace under the respective measures.

The continuing closure has particular importance for aviation because Pakistan lies along routes used by Indian carriers heading west toward the Gulf, Europe and other destinations. Diversions can add flying time and fuel requirements, affecting airline scheduling, aircraft utilisation and operating expenses. The impact can vary according to the destination, aircraft type and alternative route available to a carrier.

For Pakistan, the latest order signals that there has been no immediate policy shift on access for Indian aviation despite the passage of time since the restrictions were first imposed. The notification applies broadly, covering commercial and military aircraft as well as planes that may be leased to Indian operators, closing potential gaps based on ownership or registration arrangements.

Unless authorities issue another notice changing the order, the restriction will remain in effect until October 24. Airlines affected by the closure are expected to continue planning flights around Pakistani airspace, while aviation authorities will determine closer to the deadline whether the restriction is allowed to expire, modified or extended again.