Restriction applies to all civil and military aircraft of Indian-registered airlines
an aircraft of Indian airline Spicejet making a final approach for landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
Pakistan extended the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft for another month, with the restriction remaining in place until October 23, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Wednesday.
“Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to Indian aircraft until October 23,” the PAA said in a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
The restriction applies to all civil and military aircraft of Indian-registered airlines, the notice says. The authority added that under the extended restriction, no Indian-registered aircraft can use Pakistan’s airspace, even if the aircraft has been taken on lease.
PAA issued the new NOTAM on the government’s directions.
Earlier, the PAA extended the restriction on Indian aircraft using its airspace until September 24.
Read: One year on, India failed to present evidence on Pahalgam attack: Tarar
Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian aircraft since April 2025, when tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi sharply escalated after an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
The attack killed 26 people, India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. Pakistan, however, categorically rejected the blame and offered to support a neutral investigation.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the day after the incident. On April 23, 2025, it suspended the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other’s embassies.
Tensions further escalated in May, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Read More: Taliban using Indian funds for cross-border terrorism against Pakistan: ex-Afghan army chief
In response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. India then targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.
On May 10, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.
