Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian flights till August 24

The restriction took effect at 3:50 pm IST on July 19 and will remain in force until 5:19 am IST on August 24.

Pakistan has prolonged its airspace closure for Indian-operated flights by another month, pushing the restriction's validity till August 24, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).

As per a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued Friday, the ban applies to all aircraft operated by Indian airlines, as well as Indian-owned or leased military and civilian flights.

The restriction took effect at 3:50 pm IST on July 19 and will remain in force until 5:19 am IST on August 24.

The move is part of ongoing reciprocal airspace restrictions between the two nations.

The airspace ban was originally enforced on April 23, shortly after the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed at least 26 lives, triggering renewed tensions between India and Pakistan.

Since then, both countries have repeatedly extended the tit-for-tat bans.

It was subsequently extended on May 23 and later to July 24, as bilateral ties further deteriorated following the four-day cross-border military tensions sparked by India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7. During the operation, Indian armed forces targeted and dismantled terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India had, meanwhile, earlier barred Pakistani aircraft from entering its airspace until July 24, following a series of measures implemented in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.

The continued closure of Pakistani airspace has significantly disrupted Indian airline operations. With access denied, nearly 800 flights per week are being rerouted along longer, less efficient paths. This has led to increased fuel consumption, extended flying times, and more complex crew scheduling, driving up operational costs for Indian carriers.