Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft for another month, keeping the ban in place until 4:59 am local time on November 24, 2026.
According to a notice issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority, the restrictions apply to aircraft registered in India, as well as planes owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators. Indian military aircraft are also covered by the ban.
The previous restriction was scheduled to expire on October 24. However, a new notice issued on Saturday, October 17, extended the deadline by another month. The restrictions remain in effect across both the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions.
The airspace dispute began in April 2025, following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which further strained relations between India and Pakistan. Pakistan initially closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 24, 2025. India subsequently imposed similar restrictions on Pakistani aircraft on April 30.
Since then, both countries have repeatedly extended their respective restrictions.
The ban has forced some Indian airlines to reroute international flights, particularly services travelling to Europe, the Middle East and North America. These alternative routes increase flight times and fuel consumption, adding to airlines’ operating costs.
The latest extension highlights the continuing impact of diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries on regional aviation.
Reporting by Borderless for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 18 Oct 2026, 21:00.
