Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft for another month, keeping its skies closed to Indian airlines and military flights until November 24, 2026.
The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that took effect at 7:45pm on Saturday, October 17, and will remain in force until 4:59am on November 24. The previous extension was due to expire on October 24.
What the airspace ban on Indian aircraft covers
Under the NOTAM, Indian-registered aircraft cannot use Pakistani airspace. The restriction also applies to aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines or operators, including military flights.
The ban applies to both of Pakistan’s flight information regions, Karachi and Lahore.
A ban in place since April 2025
Pakistan first closed its airspace to India-owned and India-operated airlines on April 24, 2025, as part of its response to India’s measures after the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan for the attack without providing evidence, and Pakistan denied any involvement.
India also closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines, and both countries have kept extending the restrictions month by month since then.
The closure has forced Indian carriers onto longer routes. Air India has told Indian officials that some long-haul flights take up to three hours longer and burn significantly more fuel, and it has estimated the yearly hit to its profits at about $455 million.
No change is expected for Pakistani airlines, which remain barred from Indian airspace under India’s own restrictions.
