India Extends Airspace Ban On Pakistani Aircraft Till September 24
The India–Pakistan airspace restrictions have entered their fifth month, with New Delhi extending the ban on Pakistani aircraft until 24 September 2025. Issued through a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), this order continues to prohibit Pakistani commercial and military aircraft from entering Indian skies. In retaliation, Islamabad has also prolonged its own restrictions on Indian airlines, keeping South Asian aviation caught in a costly stalemate.
| What is NOTAM? Notice to Airmen is time sensitive notification by the aviation authorities, it is designed to inform pilots and other air operation staff about any permanent or temporary changes that could impact flight operations like change in airspace, airports and equipment.It is issued by the country’s National Aviation authority such as the FAA in the USA and AAI in India. |
Key Aspects
- The ban comes in the aftermath of the heinous Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
- In response to the ban from Pakistan, India responded with a reciprocal ban, closing airspace for Pakistani airlines in terms of civil and military.
- Lines of detour, adding extra flight hours and fuel costs, came up suddenly while flying Indian routes to Europe, North America, and the Gulf.
- About 800 flights weekly across India were affected, given Pakistan’s limited exposure with PIA running just a handful of international services over Indian airspace.
- Longer flying times gave rise to increased expenses, complicated crew rostering, and ripped open ticket prices to end passengers.
Legal & Geopolitical Context
- These restrictions are enforced through monthly NOTAMs, the global aviation system for issuing flight advisories.
- The closure is closely linked to rising India–Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor.
- While primarily a civil aviation issue, the bans also reflect wider strategic posturing and diplomatic strain between the two countries.
Conclusion
The extended reciprocal airspace ban is creating heavy costs on Indian airlines and their passengers, while Pakistan is comparatively less inconvenienced in the disruption. Unless tensions ease out, both countries are in danger of having long-term damage to aviation efficiency, trading, and regional air connectivity. The skies over South Asia are as contested as the geopolitics beneath them.
Source: AIR
