Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft Until July 24, 2026

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian civilian and military aircraft for an additional month, with the new expiry date set for July 24, 2026. This directive was communicated through a Notice to Airmen (Notam) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Wednesday.

The Notam specifies that the ban applies to all Indian-registered aircraft, encompassing both civil and military flights. It will be in effect from 5:50 PM on June 16 until 4:59 AM on July 24. The previous extension of this airspace restriction was set to conclude on June 24.

Pakistan's airspace is divided into two flight information regions (FIRs), identified as Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR), according to a 2022 document from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). The recently issued Notam is applicable to both these FIRs.

The airspace closure between India and Pakistan has been ongoing since late April 2025. This measure was implemented following an escalation of tensions in the wake of a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir's Pahalgam. On April 24, Pakistan announced a series of retaliatory measures, including the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines, in response to what it described as New Delhi’s aggressive actions. Pakistan has since extended this ban multiple times.

New Delhi had alleged, without presenting evidence, that Islamabad supported the attack. Pakistan, however, strongly denied any involvement and proposed a neutral investigation into the incident. The nuclear-armed nations experienced an air battle in May, during which Pakistan claimed to have downed seven Indian fighter jets.

According to Dawn Pakistan, this extension continues the long-standing restriction on air travel between the two countries.