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Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until January 23, 2026, further prolonging restrictions that have significantly disrupted air connectivity between the two countries. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the extension through a fresh Notice to Airmen, issued a week before the previous deadline of December 24.
According to the PCAA, Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to all Indian registered aircraft, including those owned, operated or leased by Indian carriers, as well as Indian military flights. The restriction applies across both Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.
The airspace closure has been in place since late April, when bilateral tensions escalated following a deadly attack in Pahalgam in Indian administered Kashmir that killed 26 people. Since then, aviation restrictions have remained a persistent element of strained relations between the two neighbours.
Industry sources estimate that around 800 weekly flights operated by Indian carriers are affected. Airlines are being forced to reroute services from northern India to destinations in West Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the United Kingdom and eastern North America, leading to longer flight times and higher operating costs.
While limited and temporary relaxations have been introduced at times, restrictions on Indian operated aircraft continue to be repeatedly imposed amid ongoing political and security concerns. Airline executives have flagged the financial strain caused by increased fuel burn, crew duty adjustments and schedule disruptions.
Passengers are also facing extended travel durations on several key international routes. The PCAA has reiterated that the airspace ban will remain in effect until further notice, stating that safety and national security considerations remain central to decisions on overflight permissions.
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