Islamabad/Lahore. Pakistan has extended the ban imposed on its airspace for Indian aircraft by one more month and now it will remain in force till January 23. After the Pahalgam attack in April, Pakistan had closed its airspace to Indian aircraft. India has also imposed a similar ban on Pakistan. Earlier this ban was scheduled to end on December 24, but Pakistan Airports Authority has extended it till January 23, 2026.
Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) in this regard saying that Pakistani airspace will remain closed for Indian registered aircraft. This includes not only India’s passenger airlines but also all aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines and Indian military flights. The impact of tension between India and Pakistan is once again clearly visible on air traffic. Just seven days before the ban on Pakistani airspace for Indian aircraft was to end, Pakistan has extended it for another month. Now this ban will remain in force till 23 January 2026.
Did Pakistan suddenly take this decision?
This ban was earlier scheduled to end on December 24. It was believed that some relaxation could be given at the end of the year, but at the last moment Pakistan decided to extend it till January 23, 2026. This decision has dealt a blow to hopes of any immediate improvement in India-Pakistan relations. Especially at a time when it has a direct economic and operational impact on international flights.
Ban was imposed after Pahalgam attack
Pakistan had imposed this ban after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April. After this attack, tensions between India and Pakistan deepened, in response to which both countries closed their airspace to each other’s aircraft. India has also imposed a similar restriction on its airspace for Pakistani aircraft, meaning at present there is no direct air traffic between the two countries.
On which planes will this ban be applicable?
According to Pakistan Airports Authority, are included in the scope of the ban. Will apply to all civil aircraft registered in India, aircraft owned by Indian airlines, aircraft operated or leased by Indian companies, Indian military aircraft. This means that flights from India to West Asia, Europe, America and Africa will still have to take long alternative routes.
Increasing burden on airlines
The biggest impact of airspace closure is on Indian Airlines. Not being able to use Pakistani airspace increases flight distances, consumes more fuel, takes longer flight times, increases operating costs, and airlines are already struggling with high fuel prices and international competition. In such a situation, this ban has become an additional challenge for them.
How is Pakistan’s airspace divided?
According to the 2022 document of Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan’s airspace is divided into two main parts. Karachi Flight Information Region (FIR), Lahore Flight Information Region (FIR). Most westbound flights from India generally use Lahore FIR. This is the reason why Indian flights have to take a big detour due to the closure of this airspace.
