Pakistan keeps skies closed to Indian flights, ban extended until February 24
Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, January 21, AZERTAC
Pakistan has once again extended the ban on Indian-registered aircraft using its airspace until February 24, 2026. The decision was announced by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in its latest NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).
The PAA stated that the latest extension continues the restriction that has already been in place for the past nine months. Pakistan first closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 23, 2025. The restriction will remain in effect from January 25 to February 24, 2026. The ban applies to all Indian-owned, operated, and leased aircraft, including military flights.
The move followed New Delhi’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan amid heightened tensions in the disputed region of Kashmir. Subsequently, India imposed similar restrictions on Pakistani airlines. Since then, both countries have extended the ban multiple times.
Due to the airspace closure, India’s aviation industry has suffered heavy losses, while the impact on Pakistani aviation has been minimal. The prolonged restriction has significantly affected Indian airlines, which have incurred major financial losses due to longer flight routes - particularly to Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East - higher fuel consumption, and disruptions to flight schedules.
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