Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft till September 24

Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft till September 24 Pakistan and India imposed matching airspace restrictions on each other's airlines after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025.

Key points

• Pakistan, on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) extended the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft until September 24, according to the country's airports authority.
• As per a Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) document from 2022, the country's airspace is divided into two flight information regions (FIRs) – Karachi and Lahore.
• Pakistan and India imposed matching airspace restrictions on each other's airlines after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025.
• The decision comes ahead of the expiry of the previous restriction on August 23.
• According to the NOTAM, the extension will take effect from 10: 15 a.m.

According to the NOTAM, the extension will take effect from 10: 15 a.m. On August 23 and will remain in force until 4: 59 a.m. On September 24. (Representational image) Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto.

"Pakistan airspace not available for Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights, " remarked a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority.

Notably, the decision comes ahead of the expiry of the previous restriction on August 23.

As per a Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) document from 2022, the country's airspace is divided into two flight information regions (FIRs) – Karachi and Lahore. The NOTAM applies to both the Karachi and Lahore FIRs.

In practice, the ban has been extended monthly since last year, causing financial challenges for airlines and extended travel time for passengers.

India has additionally maintained a reciprocal airspace ban on all Pakistani-registered aircraft, airlines, and military flights as part of measures taken against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 individuals last year.

Both countries closed their respective airspace to each other's airlines after the attack.

Taken together, the developments around pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft till September 24 point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.