Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until September 24, 2026, maintaining restrictions that affect civilian and military flights linked to India. The decision was announced on Wednesday through an official notification.
The Pakistan airspace ban on Indian aircraft also covers planes operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators. According to the notification, the restriction applies to military flights as well, widening the scope beyond commercial aviation.
Pakistan initially imposed the airspace restrictions following heightened tensions with India after the 2025 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, the ban has been extended several times as tensions between the two countries have remained elevated.
The Pakistan airspace ban on Indian aircraft has forced Indian airlines to use alternative flight routes for international journeys. Flights travelling between India and destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia have been particularly affected by the restrictions.
The alternative routes can increase travel distances and operating expenses for affected airlines. Longer journeys generally require additional fuel and flight time, creating higher costs for carriers operating services that would otherwise use Pakistan’s airspace.
Pakistan had previously extended the restriction until August 24, 2026. The latest decision keeps the ban in effect for another month, meaning Indian-registered aircraft will continue to face restrictions when planning routes through Pakistani airspace.
The latest extension highlights the continued impact of strained Pakistan-India relations on regional aviation. Airlines operating between the two countries and international destinations will need to maintain alternative routing arrangements while the restriction remains effective through September 24.
