21 April,2026 04:38 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft until May 24, prolonging restrictions that have now been in place for nearly a year. The move continues to impact international flight operations and reflects ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, reported PTI.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority, Pakistani airspace will remain unavailable to Indian-registered aircraft as well as planes operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines and operators.
The restriction also applies to military flights. The latest NOTAM states that the curbs will remain effective from April 21 until 2359 hours (UTC) on May 23, which corresponds to 0530 hours (IST) on May 24, reported PTI.
A NOTAM is an official communication issued to pilots and aviation authorities containing critical information about flight operations, including restrictions and hazards.
The reciprocal airspace restrictions were first imposed following the Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on April 22 last year and resulted in the deaths of 26 people. In response to the attack, both countries implemented a series of measures targeting each other's aviation access, reported PTI.
Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian aircraft starting April 24, 2025. Shortly after, India imposed a similar ban on Pakistani aircraft from April 30, 2025.
India's restrictions on Pakistani aircraft are currently in place until 0530 hours (IST) on April 24, and officials are expected to extend them further. The measures are part of broader actions taken by New Delhi in response to security concerns following the attack, reported PTI.
The continued tit-for-tat restrictions underscore the lack of progress in easing bilateral tensions, particularly in the aviation sector.
The prolonged closure has forced Indian carriers to take longer alternative routes for several international flights, especially those heading westward. These detours have led to increased fuel consumption, extended travel times, and higher operational costs, reported PTI.
Airlines have had to recalibrate schedules and absorb additional logistical burdens as a result of the restrictions, which show no immediate signs of being lifted, reported PTI.
With the latest extension, the airspace ban is set to continue well beyond the one-year mark since it was first imposed. As both countries continue to renew these curbs on a monthly basis, there remains uncertainty over when normal flight operations between the two neighbours will resume.
(With inputs from PTI)
