Pakistan extends airspace closure to Indian aircraft until October 24

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a new Notice to Airmen (Notam) extending the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian flights until October 24. This restriction applies to all Indian-registered aircraft, as well as those operated or leased by Indian airlines or operators, including military flights.

The ban was originally implemented on April 23, 2025, and this latest notice represents the 17th extension of the restriction. The airspace closure follows the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by New Delhi after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Tensions between the two nations escalated in May 2025 following military strikes and a retaliatory operation by Pakistan, which resulted in the downing of eight Indian fighter aircraft. While a US-brokered ceasefire was reached on May 10, the airspace restrictions remain in place. Historically, such closures have caused more significant financial and operational impacts on the Indian aviation sector than on Pakistan’s.