Airspace Ban Extended: Pakistan Prolongs Restriction on Indian Commercial Aircraft Till September 24

Pakistan has again extended restrictions against aircraft of India flying in its airspace up to September 24, 2026, continuing an action which has been implemented since increased tensions started between the two nations following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025. The latest extension has been declared by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in a Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM.

By extending restrictions, Indian registered aircraft, aircraft operated or leased by Indian carriers or Indian military flights will not be able to fly in Pakistani airspace for the period specified in the NOTAM.

What Has Pakistan Decided?

As per the latest NOTAM, the restriction will continue from August 23 and will come into effect till 4:59 am on September 24, replacing the earlier restriction that expired in August. The PAA NOTAM includes restrictions on Indian registered aircraft as well as aircraft operated or leased by Indian carriers. 

In other words, this extension of restriction continues to apply to both civil and military aviation, and not just passenger flights from India.

Why Has Pakistan Extended the Airspace Ban?

The restrictions date back to the sharp deterioration in India-Pakistan relations following the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were killed. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, while Pakistan denied involvement. The subsequent escalation led both countries to impose aviation restrictions on each other’s aircraft. 

Although a ceasefire followed the military escalation in May 2025, the aviation restrictions have continued through repeated extensions. The latest decision therefore indicates that the broader aviation restrictions between the two countries remain unresolved. 

Which Indian Aircraft Are Affected?

Restriction applies not only to flights of commercial passenger aircraft from India but to any aircraft registered in India, operated by Indian carriers and leasing companies and military aircraft. This way, even in case of a leased aircraft, there is no possibility to pass through Pakistani airspace in the defined period.

Also, the restriction is applied to the Karachi and Lahore FIRs – it means Indian carriers cannot pass Pakistan’s airspace as the transit corridor in the mentioned FIRs.

Consequences for Indian Passengers

First of all, for passengers, the most obvious consequences relate to flight routes. Indian airlines operating flights to the west have to take into consideration restriction and avoid using Pakistani airspace.

Taking into account flight destination and the route of the flight, detouring around the country’s airspace may lead to the increase of the distance of the flight and thus increase the duration and fuel consumption.

This means passengers should consult their airline before travelling on international flights.

Why Is the Ban Important for Indian Airlines?

Access to airspace is also an important issue for airlines’ economic operations. A shorter route leads to lower fuel burn, shorter flight time, and reduced operating cost, while the longer one means the opposite.

Thus, the extended restriction became yet another operational obstacle for Indian airlines, especially the ones operating international flights to Europe and North America. Air India was one of the airlines forced to find an alternative to the route through Pakistan’s airspace.

The cost impact depends on the particular route, the type of aircraft, and the alternative route selected, and thus the extended restriction does not necessarily mean that each Indian flight becomes longer and more costly as a result.

Are There Any Similar Restrictions on Pakistani Airlines from India?

Yes. The reciprocal restriction applies to Pakistani registered aircraft and airlines. Thus, the aviation restrictions between the two countries remained reciprocated since the deterioration in bilateral relations in 2025.

What Happens After September 24?

The September 24 date should not necessarily be interpreted as the permanent end of the restriction. The PAA has repeatedly extended the airspace closure through successive NOTAMs, and the current notification establishes the restriction only for the period specified in that notice. 

Whether the restriction is lifted, modified or extended again will depend on subsequent decisions by the relevant aviation authorities and the broader state of India-Pakistan relations.

Why This Matters Beyond Aviation

This extension of the airspace closure is important, since aviation restrictions are directly linked with diplomatic and security relations of neighboring states.

For airlines, the problem is purely operational and financial. Passengers may face longer flights and schedule changes. But in geopolitics, the repeated extensions show that aviation is one of those spheres which are still affected by the ongoing India-Pakistan dispute.

The current extension, therefore, shows that there are broader implications than just the flight paths. This is due to the fact that, despite the end of open warfare, certain restrictions imposed in 2025 are still in effect.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s decision to extend airspace restrictions on flights of Indian planes until September 24, 2026 means that the Indian planes will continue to bypass Pakistani airspace. The restrictions apply to aircraft registered in India, aircraft operated or chartered by Indian companies and military flights. These restrictions are valid for Karachi and Lahore FIRs.

For the passengers, this may result in longer flights and additional demands for the airlines. However, from the perspective of India-Pakistan relations, it is yet another proof that aviation is still restricted despite the ceasefire after the 2025 clash.

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