The Government of Pakistan is expected to prolong the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft for another month, as diplomatic and security tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors continue to simmer following the Pahalgam incident. Official sources confirmed on Sunday that a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is likely to be issued today to replace the existing one, which expires on June 23.
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Pakistan initially imposed the restriction on April 24, citing heightened security concerns in the wake of the incident in Pahalgam, a town in Indian-administered Kashmir. Although details of the incident remain officially undisclosed, Pakistani authorities have pointed to increased regional volatility and concerns over potential escalations. The restriction was first extended on May 23, and officials indicate that the current extension reflects a continued assessment of the threat environment.
According to government officials, the extension is a strategic move aimed at protecting Pakistan’s airspace integrity and ensuring aviation safety. “The decision is rooted in security concerns and national interest,” a senior official familiar with the matter told local media on condition of anonymity.
Importantly, the restriction applies solely to Indian aircraft. Pakistan’s airspace remains open to all other international and domestic flights, minimizing disruption to global aviation routes and passenger travel.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is expected to release the revised NOTAM with specific operational guidelines later today, providing airlines with updated instructions regarding the continuation of the Indian air traffic ban.
Observers see the extension as another sign of strained bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, with no visible diplomatic breakthrough on the horizon.
