LAHORE: Pakistan has prolonged its ban on Indian-operated flights using its airspace until August 24, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced. The restriction applies to all aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Indian airlines- both civilian and military.
A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued on Friday (July 18) took effect at 3:50 pm, and the updated ban will remain in force until 5:19 am on August 24 (Sunday).
Mutual airspace restrictions continue
India has also closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft until July 24. The restrictions were first imposed by New Delhi on April 30 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which left 26 people dead.
Timeline of the airspace standoff-
- April 22: Terror attack in Pahalgam kills 26.
- April 24: Pakistan closes airspace to Indian flights.
- April 30: India reciprocates with an airspace ban on Pakistani aircraft.
Since May: Both countries have repeatedly extended the restrictions.
No signs of immediate resolution
The tit-for-tat airspace bans highlight rising tensions between the two neighbours. With no breakthrough in sight, the ongoing closure continues to impact regional flight routes and increase operating costs for airlines.
India extends airspace ban on Pakistani flights till July 24
India has extended the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting its airspace for Pakistani aircraft until July 24, 2025, marking the second extension since the restriction was first implemented. Originally valid from May 1 to May 23, the airspace closure was first extended to June 23, and then again to July 24 through a fresh NOTAM issued on June 23.
2nd extension of airspace restriction
The ban covers all aircraft registered in Pakistan or operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators, including military flights.
Ban linked to Pahalgam terror attack
The decision to block Pakistani flights from Indian airspace stems from the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead. In response, the Indian government implemented a series of retaliatory measures starting April 30, including-
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Closure of the Attari land border crossing
- Downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan
“Status quo maintained”: Aviation Minister
Following the first extension of the NOTAM on May 23, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the government has “maintained the status quo” on the matter. The continued closure of Indian airspace reflects India’s ongoing pressure campaign against Pakistan amid growing regional security concerns. -(IndiaTV)
