The PAA says Pakistan’s airspace remains closed to all flights registered in India
a plane of the Indian airline Spicejet making a final approach to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. PHOTO: AFP
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Tuesday extended the restrictions on Indian aircraft using its airspace till June 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.
NOTAM: Airspace ban on Indian aircraft (including military) extended until June 24 at 04:59 PKT.
— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) 19 May 2026
According to a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Wednesday, authorities 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, the NOTAM added.
It said the ban covered both of Pakistan’s flight information regions – Karachi and Lahore – 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 May 24.
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.
