Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 18: Pakistan has extended its restrictions on Indian aircraft using its airspace until November 24, 2026, according to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).

Announcing the decision on social media platform X, the authority said the airspace ban would continue for another month and remain applicable to both civilian and military aircraft associated with India.

The latest extension supersedes the earlier deadline of October 24. As a result, Indian-registered aircraft, as well as aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines and aviation operators, will remain barred from entering Pakistani airspace unless the authorities announce a change before the revised deadline.

The restrictions cover both the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions and apply to all categories of Indian aircraft, including military flights.

The aviation restrictions originated amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025. Pakistan initially closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 23, 2025, while India imposed reciprocal restrictions on Pakistani airlines and aircraft from April 30, 2025.

Since then, both countries have repeatedly extended the restrictions, with no indication so far of an imminent easing of the curbs.

India accused Pakistan of backing the Pahalgam terror attack, a charge rejected by Islamabad, triggering a sharp escalation in diplomatic and military tensions between the two countries.

Pakistan has imposed similar airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft during earlier periods of strained bilateral relations, including the 1999 Kargil conflict and the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama attack, according to media reports.

Pakistan's airspace is divided into the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions, and the current restrictions remain in force across both sectors.