Pakistan has decided to keep its airspace closed for Indian flights for another month, as the restriction is about to complete one year. A new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued, confirming that the ban will now remain in place until 5am on May 24, 2026.

According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, all aircraft linked to India — including registered, leased, commercial, and military planes — are not allowed to use Pakistani airspace during this period.

Pakistan first closed its airspace to Indian flights on April 24, 2025. Since then, Indian airlines have faced major financial losses, reportedly reaching billions of rupees.

This move came after rising tensions between the two countries. India had suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, blaming Pakistan. Islamabad denied the accusations and demanded an independent investigation.

In response to Pakistan’s decision, India also closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines on April 30, 2025.

Tensions further increased when India carried out strikes on several Pakistani cities on May 6–7, 2025. Pakistan responded with a large-scale military operation called “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” targeting Indian military positions. During the conflict, Pakistan claimed it shot down seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, along with multiple drones.

After nearly 87 hours of fighting, both countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, with help from the United States.

While Indian airlines have been badly affected by the airspace ban, Pakistan’s aviation sector has seen only limited impact.

This is not the first time such restrictions have been imposed. Similar airspace closures were seen during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Pulwama crisis, where Indian aviation faced greater disruption than Pakistan.