Pakistan has extended its airspace closure for Indian flights until June 24, 2025, according to a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The move continues a ban initially imposed last month following India’s actions in the wake of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
As per the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) guidelines, such restrictions can only be enforced for a month at a time, requiring periodic renewals. “The ban on Indian aircraft flying over Pakistan airspace has been extended until 4:59 am June 24, 2025,” stated the PAA.
The statement further clarified, “This ban will also apply to Indian military aircraft. No flight operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to use Pakistani airspace.” This restriction applies to all aircraft that are Indian-registered, owned, leased, or operated.
The extension comes just days after an IndiGo pilot operating a Delhi-Srinagar flight sought permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to briefly enter Pakistani airspace to avoid a hailstorm. The request was denied.
The continued closure is expected to impact flight routes and fuel costs for Indian airlines, as they will need to divert aircraft over longer paths to avoid Pakistani airspace.
