Pakistan extends ban on Indian aircraft until November 24

Pakistan extends ban on Indian aircraft until November 24

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until November 24, maintaining a restriction that has remained in place since tensions between the two neighbouring countries escalated in 2025.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced the extension through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Saturday. A PAA spokesperson said the restriction would remain effective until 5am on November 24.

The ban, initially imposed on April 23, 2025, prohibits Indian aircraft from using Pakistani airspace. The latest extension continues the aviation restrictions introduced after a sharp deterioration in relations between Islamabad and New Delhi following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The attack triggered a series of diplomatic and security measures by both countries. India accused Pakistan of involvement in the incident, but Islamabad firmly rejected the allegation and called for an independent and transparent investigation.

As tensions mounted, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, while India announced a reciprocal restriction on April 30, 2025, barring Pakistani airlines from using its airspace. The measures further disrupted aviation links between the two countries and forced affected airlines to adjust their flight operations and routes.

The situation deteriorated further on May 6 and 7, 2025, when India launched strikes on several locations in Pakistan. Islamabad responded with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting multiple Indian military installations in a large-scale retaliatory operation.

The military escalation marked one of the most serious episodes in relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours in recent years, with both sides taking measures that affected regional security and air travel.

The continued airspace restrictions reflect the lasting impact of the confrontation on bilateral relations. By extending the ban, Pakistan has maintained its existing aviation policy towards Indian aircraft, while the reciprocal restrictions continue to affect air connectivity between the two countries.

The latest NOTAM sets November 24 as the new expiry date for Pakistan’s restriction, with the ban scheduled to remain in effect until 5am that day.