Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft until October 24
“Pakistan extends its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until October 24, affecting Indian airlines, operators and military flights across both FIRs. ISLAMABAD (Dun…”
IISLAMABAD —Pakistan has extended its restriction on the use of its airspace by Indian aircraft until October 24, 2026, (Notam) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The previous extension of the restriction was scheduled to end on September 24.
The latest Notam states that Pakistani airspace will remain unavailable to aircraft registered in India, as well as aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators. The restriction also covers military flights. The extension took effect at 10:45am on Wednesday and will remain in force until 4:59am on October 24, 2026.
Pakistan's airspace is divided into two Flight Information Regions (FIRs), Karachi and Lahore. The latest restriction applies to both the Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) FIRs. Pakistan and India closed their respective airspaces to each other's airlines in April 2025 following a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir.
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On April 24, Pakistan announced the closure of its airspace to Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines as part of a series of measures taken in response to actions announced by New Delhi. India accused Pakistan of supporting the Pahalgam attack, a charge Islamabad rejected.
Pakistan called for a neutral and transparent investigation into the incident. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours later escalated into military hostilities in May 2025, including aerial engagements. Pakistan has since renewed the airspace restriction several times, requiring Indian airlines to take longer routes for some international flights.
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