Indian airlines barred from using Pakistani airspace until Nov 24 as ban extended

Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian airlines using its airspace until November 24, 2026, according to a Notice to Airmen issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority. The ban, which previously expired on October 24, came into effect at 7:45pm on Saturday and will remain in place until 04:59am on November 24. The closure applies to both the Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.

The decision follows escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which began in late April 2025 after a deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In response to India's aggressive measures, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian and Indian-operated airlines. The nuclear-armed nations have a history of intense conflicts, including a recent air battle in May where Pakistan claimed to have shot down seven Indian fighter jets.

As a result of the airspace ban, Indian carriers have faced increased fuel costs and longer travel times, leading Air India, the country's major international carrier, to estimate a loss of $455 million annually on its profit before taxes.