Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft till September 24

On August 19, 2026, Pakistan extended its ban on Indian aircraft in its airspace until September 24, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The restriction came after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025 where 26 people were killed. Pakistan and India had imposed identical bans on each other's airlines following the attack.

According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from the PAA, Indian-registered aircraft, aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines or operators, and military flights were not allowed to enter or operate within Pakistan's airspace. The extension of the ban was set to begin at 10:15 a.m. on August 23 and would continue until 4:59 a.m. on September 24.

The PAA's division of Pakistan's airspace into two flight information regions (FIRs) - Karachi and Lahore - applies to both regions under the NOTAM. Since last year, the ban has been extended monthly, causing financial difficulties for airlines and causing passengers to face longer travel times. In response to the Pahalgam attack, India had also imposed a reciprocal ban on Pakistani-registered aircraft, airlines, and military flights.