On April 21, 2026, the Pakistan Airports Authority announced an extension of its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until May 24. This move marks a year of continuous restrictions following the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The airspace closure, initiated in April 2025, arose from heightened tensions between Pakistan and India after an attack in Pahalgam. India accused Pakistan of involvement without evidence, a claim Pakistan refuted while offering to support a neutral investigation.
The latest Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) specifies that Pakistan’s airspace remains closed to all Indian-registered aircraft, including those operated, owned, or leased by Indian entities, and applies to both commercial and military flights. This restriction affects both of Pakistan’s Flight Information Regions: Karachi and Lahore.
The ongoing ban has led to significant financial losses for Indian airlines, which are compelled to take longer alternative routes, increasing flight times and fuel costs for journeys between India and Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
As geopolitical tensions persist, the aviation industry anticipates further challenges. Upcoming diplomatic engagements may offer a platform for dialogue, but the outlook remains uncertain.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 22, 2026
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