Pakistan has officially extended its ban on Indian-registered aircraft from entering or transiting through its airspace until August 23, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The restriction continues to apply to all types of Indian aircraft, including commercial and military flights.
The decision prolongs a restriction that has been in place since April 23, 2025, amid ongoing regional tensions and deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two South Asian neighbors. The ban is seen as part of a broader set of geopolitical countermeasures by Islamabad in response to recent developments.
All Indian Aircraft Restricted From Pakistani Airspace
The NOTAM outlines that no Indian-registered aircraft—regardless of purpose or category—will be permitted to enter or transit through Pakistan’s airspace during the extended ban period. This includes flights operating to or from destinations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe that usually transit through Pakistani territory.
The restriction impacts international flight routes, potentially increasing fuel costs and travel times for Indian carriers rerouting around Pakistani airspace. While domestic flights within India remain unaffected, international operations will continue to experience logistical challenges.
Background: Tensions Behind the Ongoing Airspace Restriction
Pakistan originally imposed the airspace ban on April 23, 2025, citing escalating regional tensions following political and security-related incidents between the two countries. This isn’t the first time such airspace restrictions have occurred; a similar measure was enforced in 2019 following a military standoff between India and Pakistan.
While no official reason was stated in the latest NOTAM, analysts view the move as a continuation of Pakistan’s diplomatic pressure strategy, utilizing its strategic airspace location to influence broader geopolitical negotiations.
There is currently no indication of early reversal, and both countries have yet to resume dialogue to address the issue diplomatically.
