KARACHI: Pakistan has renewed the ban on flights by Indian registered or operated planes in its airspace for yet another month. In accordance with an updated notice to airman (NOTAM) from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), India-based, airspace closure for Indian aircraft, will continue to be banned from flying over Pakistani airspace between Aug 18 and Sept 24, 2025.
It includes Indian registered planes, lease planes, and commercial and military planes that are owned and operated by Indians. The extensive range indicates that the airspace closure on Indian planes due to the most recent NOTAM applies to many types of planes based on ownership and usage, as opposed to a specific type of plane.
This latest restriction extension will continue the current policy framework that came into effect in April 2025, as opposed to being a fresh initiative by Pakistan. It covers all the airspace management blocks of Pakistan, including Karachi Flight Information Region and Lahore Flight Information Region, wherein the NOTAM prohibits Indian flights from using Pakistani airspace.
The Notice to Airman, more popularly known as NOTAM, is the official means by which aviation authorities can notify pilots and airlines of any temporary or permanent restrictions in the field of aviation. By issuing a new NOTAM regarding the extension of the closure of the airspace for Indian aircraft, the PAA ensures that the airlines and other aviation regulatory bodies both inside and outside Pakistan are officially informed about the latest status of the restriction.
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Restrictions on airspace of this sort usually force any airline using the restricted airspace to divert their flight around it, increasing both distance traveled and additional fuel expenses. With this restriction being maintained indefinitely, those airlines which normally use the airspace above Pakistan will need to continue using these diverted flight paths until further notice. This may impact fare prices and even schedules for flights between India and destinations serviced primarily via Pakistani airspace.
Airspace Closure for Indian Aircraft Implications Going Forward
The continued suspension of the Indian flight from airspace until September 24 means that flights registered or operated by India will remain banned from Pakistani airspace for at least another month. The ongoing ban on such flights due to the length of time the ban was originally enforced will likely see extensions if there is no improvement in relations between both nations in the coming weeks.