ISLAMABAD, AUG 20: Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for Indian airlines by another month, with the restrictions now set to remain in effect until September 23, according to a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Ongoing airspace ban
Pakistan first closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 23, 2025, following rising regional tensions. Since then, the ban has been extended multiple times, causing significant disruptions to Indian carriers.
Heavy financial impact on Indian airlines
The continued airspace closure has forced Indian airlines to reroute flights over longer paths, resulting in higher fuel consumption and operational costs. Industry reports suggest that Indian carriers have collectively lost billions of rupees due to these restrictions.
Back in April, Pakistan decided to exercise its right to suspend all bilateral agreements with India following the alleged false flag operation in Pahalgam in India-held Kashmir as well as India’s unilateral announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
Also Read: Pakistan shuts Wagah border, suspends Simla Accord, expels Indians
The decisions were made during an emergency session of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by the services chiefs and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Defense, naval, and air advisors posted at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad were declared “persona non grata” and ordered to leave the country. Pakistan has also closed its airspace to all Indian aircraft and suspended all trade activities with India, including those routed through third-party countries.
