By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until June 24, 2025, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Friday, a move that underscores persistent tensions between the two nations following recent military clashes.
The decision prolongs a restriction that has disrupted regional aviation and deepened the diplomatic rift between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
The airspace closure traces back to April 24, when Pakistan barred Indian aircraft, both commercial and military, from its skies. This came just two days after an attack in occupied Kashmir killed 26 people, an incident New Delhi blamed on Islamabad despite Pakistan’s denials.
India retaliated by downgrading diplomatic ties, suspending visas for Pakistani nationals, and closing border crossings. Pakistan’s response was swift, shutting its airspace to Indian flights and setting the stage for a prolonged standoff.
“The ban on Indian aircraft flying through Pakistani airspace has been extended until 4:59 AM on June 24, 2025,” the PAA said in a statement. “All aircraft that are Indian-registered, operated, owned or leased will remain subject to the ban.”
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry issued a corresponding Notam, saying Pakistani-registered, operated, owned, or leased aircraft, including military flights, would be barred from Indian airspace through June 23.
The impact on Indian airlines has been profound, particularly for long-haul routes to Europe and North America. Air India, the country’s largest international carrier, has had to reroute flights, burning more fuel, extending flight times, and racking up additional costs. The airline projects the ban could add roughly $600 million to its expenses over a year and has turned to the Indian government for financial relief.
The closure of Pakistan’s airspace, a vital corridor for flights connecting India to the West, has forced airlines to navigate less efficient paths, raising operational costs and complicating schedules. For Air India, the financial strain is palpable, with each rerouted flight chipping away at margins in an already competitive industry.
A ceasefire agreement announced on May 10 has held, offering a glimmer of stability along the contested border. The situation took a darker turn this week with a school bus bombing in Baluchistan that killed six children. Islamabad has accused New Delhi of orchestrating the attack through its proxies.
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