India Extends Airspace Ban on Pakistan Until Sep 24

India has extended its airspace closure for Pakistani aircraft until September 24, 2025, marking the fifth consecutive month of reciprocal bans between the two nations, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on August 22. Pakistan mirrored the move, extending its airspace restrictions for Indian planes until the same date, as per a NOTAM issued on August 20, intensifying the aviation standoff triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

The Indian NOTAM, effective until 2359 hrs UTC on September 23 (0530 hrs IST on September 24), prohibits Pakistan-registered aircraft, including those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and military, from entering Indian airspace. The ban, initially imposed on April 30 in response to the Pahalgam attack, was set to expire on May 24 but has been extended monthly, reflecting strained bilateral ties. Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft began on April 24, with similar monthly extensions, as reported by The Indian Express and confirmed by posts on X.

The restrictions, which do not affect third-country airlines, have severely impacted Indian carriers, with approximately 800 weekly flights rerouted, increasing fuel costs and flight durations by up to several hours, per The Economic Times. Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo face significant losses, with Air India estimating an annualized cost of $600 million. In contrast, Pakistan International Airlines, with only six weekly flights affected, faces minimal disruption, according to Cirium data.

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The ongoing closures, part of broader retaliatory measures including India’s Operation Sindoor, underscore the deepening rift between New Delhi and Islamabad, with no immediate resolution in sight.

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