Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft Till January 24, 2026

Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until January 24, 2026, further prolonging aviation restrictions between the two countries amid continuing diplomatic and security tensions. With this extension, Pakistani airspace will have remained closed to Indian aircraft for a total of 210 days.

According to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Wednesday by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the restriction will remain in force from December 16, 2025, to January 24, 2026 (PST). During this period, no aircraft registered in India—commercial or military—will be permitted to fly through Pakistani airspace.

The PAA clarified that the ban applies to all Indian-owned, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, and is a continuation of the existing restriction that has been in place for the past eight months.

Background of the Ban

The airspace closure dates back to April 2025, following heightened tensions after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. In the aftermath of the incident, both India and Pakistan imposed reciprocal restrictions on each other’s aircraft, effectively shutting their airspaces to one another. Since then, the ban has been periodically extended.

Economic Impact on Pakistan

The prolonged closure has reportedly resulted in significant financial losses for Pakistan. Pakistani authorities no longer earn overflight charges that Indian airlines used to pay for using Pakistani airspace on international routes. At the same time, Pakistani airlines are incurring higher operational costs, as they are forced to take longer routes by avoiding Indian airspace for international flights.

Aviation experts note that the continued restrictions have increased fuel consumption, flight durations, and overall expenses for airlines on both sides, while offering little immediate relief to regional air connectivity.

Despite the economic strain, Pakistan has chosen to maintain the ban, indicating that no immediate easing of aviation restrictions is likely unless there is a broader improvement in bilateral relations.