India Prolongs Airspace Ban on Pakistan Airlines Amid Ongoing Tensions

Airspace Closure Extended

New Delhi: On Monday, India announced an extension of its airspace ban for flights operated by Pakistani airlines, prolonging the closure until July 24.

Since April 30, Indian airspace has been off-limits to aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Pakistan, including military flights. This decision was made following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.

Originally set to expire on May 24, the ban was first extended to June 24 before the latest announcement.

A new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued on Monday, confirming the airspace will remain closed to Pakistan-registered aircraft until July 24, 2025.

The NOTAM specifies that Indian airspace will not be accessible for any aircraft linked to Pakistan, including military operations.

In a reciprocal move, Pakistan has also extended its airspace closure for Indian flights until July 24.

Pakistan initially restricted its airspace for Indian aircraft on April 24, following India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. This restriction was also extended until June 24.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India implemented several punitive actions against Pakistan on April 23, including halting the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari land border crossing, and downgrading diplomatic relations due to the cross-border connections to the attack.