Islamabad:
Pakistan has extended the suspension of its airspace for Indian planes for another month, according to a new notification issued by Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) on Thursday.
The closure of the airspace – originally imposed on April 23 in the middle of increased tensions with India – will now remain in force until August 23, according to the new opinion to the airmen (NOTAM) issued by the authority.
Depending on the notification, all aircraft operated by Indian Airlines or recorded in India are prohibited from using the Pakistani airspace. The ban also covers civil and military planes belonging to Indians or for rent.
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The ban was applied for the first time following a push between the two nuclear weapons neighbors earlier this year. Although a cease-fire was negotiated by American mediation, the airspace restrictions have remained in place.
Last month, the PAA also extended the ban until July 23, reaffirming its continuous application despite diplomatic reprimands.
The suspension had a significant impact on the roads in the western direction of the Indian carriers, forcing them to adopt longer flight trajectories around Pakistan – a development that has led to an increase in fuel costs and travel times.
