Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft until November 24

Pakistan has extended its airspace restriction on Indian aircraft until November 24, 2026, according to an official aviation notice issued on Saturday. The renewed restriction is scheduled to remain effective until 4:59am on that date unless authorities revise it again.

The measure applies to aircraft registered in India as well as planes owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines and aviation operators. Indian military aircraft are also barred from entering or passing through Pakistani airspace under the extended restriction.

The previous extension was due to remain in force until October 24. The latest notice adds another month to the restriction and indicates that normal access for affected Indian aircraft will not resume in the immediate future.

The airspace measure was introduced during a period of heightened tension between Pakistan and India following the 2025 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, while Islamabad denied the allegation and called for a neutral investigation.

Relations deteriorated further when the two countries became involved in intense aerial exchanges in May 2025. Pakistan has maintained that it shot down seven Indian fighter aircraft during the confrontation, while the wider episode renewed international concern about escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Since then, the airspace restriction has been extended repeatedly rather than allowed to expire. The continuation shows that aviation policy remains linked to the broader security and diplomatic dispute between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Indian airlines affected by the measure must use alternative routes for flights connecting India with parts of Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Longer routes can increase flying time, fuel consumption and operating expenses while potentially affecting schedules and passenger connections.

Pakistan’s decision also carries regional implications because its airspace provides an important corridor for east-west commercial aviation. Continued restrictions may require airlines and aviation authorities to retain adjusted flight plans until political and security conditions improve.

The restriction will remain in place through the announced deadline unless a new official notice changes its duration or terms. Any restoration of access is likely to depend on future government decisions and the direction of Pakistan-India relations.