Latest NOTAM issued just days before the previous restriction, which was due to expire on March 23
Air India has been under heightened scrutiny since the June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner that killed 260 people. PHOTO: PIXABAY
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Wednesday extended the restrictions on Indian aircraft using its airspace till April 24.
Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian aircraft since April 2025, when tensions between the two countries escalated sharply following an attack in India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
New Delhi had alleged Islamabad’s involvement in the incident without providing any evidence. Pakistan denied the charge and offered to support a neutral investigation.
According to a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued today, the PAA said Pakistan’s airspace would remain closed to all aircraft registered in India.
The restriction also applies to aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines or operators, including military flights, Notam added.
The ban covers both of Pakistan’s Flight Information Regions – Karachi and Lahore FIR – as detailed in documentation from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.
The latest NOTAM was issued just days before the previous restriction was set to expire on March 23.
Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights, until early April 24, 2026. #ON
— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) 18 March 2026
The continued airspace ban has resulted in significant financial losses for Indian airlines, which are forced to take longer alternative routes.
These diversions have increased flight times and fuel costs for services between India and destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
