Web desk: Pakistan has decided to keep its airspace closed for Indian aircraft for one more month, with the restriction now lasting until 23 September 2025.
A fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed that Indian flights will not be allowed to pass through Pakistani skies until the new deadline.
The ban was first imposed on April 23, 2025, after conflict broke out between the two countries.
Previous airspace bans
Previously, Pakistan had extended its ban on Indian-registered and Indian-operated aircraft until August 24.
The airspace closure had already affected Indian airlines. Particularly those flying long-haul routes to Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
According to a NOTAM issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority at the time. The restriction applied to all Indian civilian and military planes, whether registered, leased, or owned.
In a separate instance, Air India had announced that it would suspend flights between the capitals of India and the United States from September 1. Citing a shortage of aircraft due to planned upgrades on its ageing Boeing fleet and the continued closure of Pakistan’s airspace.
The suspension of the New Delhi–Washington, DC route was seen as another major setback for the airline. Which was already under intense regulatory scrutiny following a June crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people.
At the time, Air India explained that both the fleet shortfall caused by its $400 million retrofit programme. And the prolonged airspace restrictions over Pakistan were disrupting its long-haul network.
The closure had forced longer flight routings, adding to operational difficulties.
According to earlier reports by Reuters, the airline estimated that the Pakistan airspace ban could cost it $600 million over a 12-month period.
Air India had also told passengers that they would still be able to reach Washington, DC via connections in New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco. Through its interline partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
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