Pakistan: Pakistan has once again extended its airspace ban on Indian airlines, issuing a fresh NOTAM that blocks all Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Indian carriers from using its airspace until December 24.
The restriction, announced by the Pakistan Airports Authority, took effect on November 19, just days before the previous ban was set to expire. The closure applies from ground level to unlimited altitude and covers commercial, private, and military aircraft linked to India in any capacity.
Airspace restrictions between India and Pakistan have remained in place since tensions escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists. The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based group, claimed responsibility for the strike.
India responded on May 7 with Operation Sindoor, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The exchange that followed pushed the two countries into a military standoff until a ceasefire was reached on May 10. Both sides have since barred each other’s aircraft, disrupting normal aviation routes across the region.
Indian carriers continue to face operational strain due to Pakistan’s prolonged airspace restrictions. Some airlines are reportedly studying potential rerouting options through China to reduce travel disruptions.
Air India, which operates the largest international network among Indian carriers, has been hit hardest. The airline’s fuel costs have risen by 29 percent, and flight durations on several long-haul routes have increased by up to three hours, significantly affecting schedules and operating expenses.
