KARACHI: Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions for Indian airlines until August 23, continuing a ban that has been in place since April 23. The Pakistan Airport Authority issued a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) reaffirming the ongoing suspension of overflight and transit permissions for all aircraft registered in India.
According to the NOTAM, Indian-registered aircraft are strictly prohibited from entering Pakistani airspace, with no exceptions. The ban applies to all types of operations, including overflights and direct transit. Authorities clarified that the restrictions would remain in force until further notice.
The move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two neighbors. The ban was originally enforced as a retaliatory measure after India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, following the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
India responded with military strikes on Pakistani territory, resulting in civilian casualties. Pakistan retaliated, leading to a series of exchanges that ultimately drew U.S. intervention and a subsequent ceasefire.
Since the airspace closure, Indian airlines have reportedly incurred significant financial losses due to increased fuel consumption and longer routes caused by the ban.
