India extends airspace ban on Pakistan flights till May 24

With the latest extension, the closure of the Indian airspace for Pakistan aircraft will now be in place for more than a year -- a move that first came days after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points

The airspace closure between India and Pakistan has been in effect since April 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan has also extended its airspace closure for Indian aircraft.
The ban affects Pakistan-owned, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights.
Indian airlines are taking longer routes to international destinations due to the ongoing airspace closure.

India has extended the ban on Pakistan planes from using its airspace till May 24.

Impact of airspace closure on flight routes

Since April last year, both countries have been extending the closure of their airspaces for each other's planes. On Tuesday, Pakistan extended the airspace closure till May 24.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday said the Indian airspace will not be available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated/ owned or leased by Pakistan airlines/ operators, including military flights.

The ban will be effective till 2359 hours (UTC) on May 23, which means 0530 hours (IST) on May 24.

Background of airspace restrictions

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 people, India and Pakistan closed their respective airspaces for each other's planes.

India's airspace ban has been in place since April 30 last year, while Pakistan has closed its airspace for Indian aircraft from April 24, 2025.

The ban, part of various measures taken by the Indian government against Pakistan in the wake of the terror attack, was initially till May 24, 2025 and has been subsequently extended every month.

Understanding NOTAM

Generally, a NOTAM is a notice containing information that is essential for personnel involved in flight operations.

Indian airlines are now taking longer routes to various international destinations due to the Pakistan airspace closure.

The ongoing airspace restrictions between India and Pakistan force airlines to take longer, more expensive routes. These measures were initially implemented following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in April 2025.

The extension indicates continued tensions and security concerns between the two nations.