India prolongs airspace restrictions on Pakistani flights amid rising tensions
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The tension between India and Pakistan over airspace shows no signs of abating. In response to Pakistan's move, India has extended the ban on Pakistani airlines and aircraft in its airspace for another month. According to a new 'Notice to Airmen' (NOTAM) issued by India's aviation authority on Monday, this ban will now remain in effect until October 24, 2025.
With this decision, the airspace closures between the two neighboring countries for each other's aircraft have now entered their sixth month. This move comes days after Pakistan announced it would close its airspace to Indian aircraft until the same date.
The standoff between the two countries began after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April this year, which significantly strained relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan first closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 24th. In response, India retaliated on April 30th announcing the closure of its airspace to Pakistani aircraft. Since then, both countries have been continuously extending the ban by issuing NOTAMs on a monthly basis.
However, this restriction applies only to airlines and aircraft (including military flights) of India and Pakistan. The airspace between the two countries is open to airlines of other countries and they can use it.
The new NOTAM issued by India will be effective till 5:29 am on October 24, 2025 which exactly matches the date and time of the NOTAM issued by Pakistan.