Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft until October 23

Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until October 24, 2026, according to a Notice to Airmen (Notam) from the Pakistan Airports Authority. The previous extension was set to end on September 24. The ban affects all Indian registered aircraft, as well as aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines and their operators, including military flights.

This extension came into effect at 10:45am on Wednesday and will remain in place until 04:59am on October 24, 2026. The ban applies to both the Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) flight information regions (FIRs) in Pakistan. The airspace closure began in late April 2025 following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following a deadly attack in India-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack and offered a neutral investigation. The nuclear-armed rivals have engaged in fierce air battles since, with Pakistan claiming to have shot down seven Indian fighter jets in May 2025. The airspace ban has forced Indian carriers to take longer and more expensive routes, resulting in higher fuel costs and extended journey times for Air India, the country's only major international carrier.

Tata Group-owned Air India estimates the impact of the closure on its profit before tax at $455 million annually, given its fiscal 2024-25 loss of $439 million.