Pakistan extends ban on Indian aircraft until August 24

Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until August 24, 2026, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday, July 18.

In a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued in line with government directives, the PAA prolonged restrictions that have been in place since April 23, 2025. The ban applies to all aircraft registered in India, Indian airlines, and planes chartered or operated by Indian carriers.

The restriction had been due to expire at 04:59 a.m. local time on July 24 and was previously extended in May 2026. The continued closure has resulted in losses amounting to billions of rupees for Indian airlines, according to earlier estimates.

Pakistan first barred Indian carriers from its airspace in April last year after New Delhi suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

India accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, a charge Islamabad strongly denied, calling instead for an independent and transparent investigation.

In response to Pakistan’s move, India closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines on April 30 last year, escalating reciprocal restrictions between the two countries.

By Tamilla Hasanova