Last NOTAM issued just days before the previous restriction expired on March 23.
Air India has come under increased scrutiny since the June 12 crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner that killed 260 people. PHOTO: PIXABAY
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Wednesday extended restrictions on Indian aircraft using its airspace until April 24.
Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian planes since April 2025, when tensions between the two countries sharply escalated after an attack in India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir region in Pahalgam.
New Delhi had alleged Islamabad’s involvement in the incident without presenting evidence. Pakistan rejected the accusation and offered to support a neutral investigation.
According to a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued today, the PAA said Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to all Indian-registered aircraft.
The restriction also applies to aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines or operators, including military flights, Notam added.
The ban covers Pakistan’s two flight information regions – Karachi and Lahore FIR – as noted in the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan’s documentation.
The latest NOTAM was issued just days before the previous restriction expired on March 23.
Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to aircraft registered in India and those operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights, until the early hours of April 24, 2026. #PAA
– Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) March 18, 2026
The continued ban on airspace has resulted in significant financial losses for Indian airlines, which are forced to take longer alternative routes.
These diversions have increased flight times and fuel costs for services between India and destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
