Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft until September 24, according to a new Notice to Airmen. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued the notice early Wednesday, extending the previous restriction.
The earlier ban was scheduled to expire on August 23. However, authorities have now extended the measure for another month. The latest restriction covers Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators.
It also includes military flights operated by India.
“Pakistan airspace not available for Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights,” the Notam said.
According to the notice, the extension took effect on August 23 at 10:15am.
It will remain effective until 4:59am on September 24.
Airspace Ban Covers Karachi and Lahore FIRs
Pakistan’s airspace operates through two flight information regions, known as FIRs.
These are the Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.
The latest Notam applies to both areas. They are identified by the codes OPKR for Karachi and OPLR for Lahore.
The restriction therefore covers Indian aircraft operating within both designated flight information regions.
Pakistan has extended the restrictions several times since the measure was first introduced in 2025.
Pakistan and India Closed Airspace to Each Other
Pakistan and India initially closed their respective airspaces to each other’s airlines in April 2025.
The decision followed a sharp escalation in tensions after a deadly attack in Pahalgam.
The incident resulted in a series of diplomatic and security measures by both countries.
On April 24, Pakistan announced several measures against India. These included an immediate ban on India-owned and Indian-operated airlines using Pakistani airspace.
The move came in response to measures announced by New Delhi following the attack.
Since then, Pakistan has repeatedly extended its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft.
The latest extension indicates that the aviation restrictions remain in place despite the passage of several months.
Tensions Escalated After Pahalgam Attack
India accused Pakistan of supporting the Pahalgam attack but did not provide evidence for the allegation. Pakistan strongly rejected any involvement in the incident.
Islamabad also offered to support a neutral investigation into the attack. The dispute subsequently contributed to a major military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
In May, Pakistan and India engaged in their most intense air confrontation in years.
Pakistan claimed that its forces had shot down seven Indian fighter jets during the clashes.
India and Pakistan later reached an understanding that brought the immediate hostilities to an end.
However, several measures introduced during the confrontation have remained in place.
The continued airspace ban reflects the broader tensions between the two countries.
For now, Indian commercial and military aircraft remain barred from Pakistan’s airspace under the latest Notam, with the restriction set to remain effective until September 24.
