ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority has formally extended the Pakistan airspace ban on Indian planes for another month, citing ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The new NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued on Friday will now remain in effect until August 23, 2025, marking the fourth such extension since April.
The decision comes against the backdrop of escalating diplomatic and military tensions following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IOK). The original airspace restriction was enforced on April 23, soon after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and launched Operation Sindoor, a move that triggered a sharp military reaction from Islamabad.
Who’s Affected by the Ban?
According to the latest NOTAM, the airspace ban affects all Indian-registered aircraft, including leased, chartered, civilian, and military planes. The directive applies across all commercial and defense routes over Pakistani territory, forcing Indian airlines to reroute dozens of international flights, significantly increasing operational costs.
Aviation analysts estimate that Indian carriers have incurred losses exceeding ₹8.2 billion due to longer flight times, increased fuel usage, and delays in fleet maintenance and scheduling.
“The economic hit to Indian carriers is considerable. These reroutes are impacting schedules to Europe, Central Asia, and even the Middle East,” said an aviation expert based in Dubai.
Background: Operation Sindoor and Bunyanum Marsoos
The airspace closure was initially enforced as a direct consequence of India’s military strikes under Operation Sindoor, which Pakistan responded to with its own operation, Bunyanum Marsoos. Though both nations reached a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10, the airspace restrictions remain in place as a strategic countermeasure by Islamabad.
The continuation of the Pakistan airspace ban on Indian planes signals that diplomatic channels remain frozen, despite pressure from international aviation bodies to de-escalate regional connectivity challenges.
Civil Aviation Authority’s Official Statement
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan confirmed that the restriction will stay enforced until a comprehensive review is completed.
“The matter is under regular assessment. The restriction will remain until the government finalizes its stance based on national interest,” said a CAA spokesperson.
Aviation insiders suggest that the review will likely be influenced by the broader geopolitical climate and any progress—or lack thereof—in diplomatic engagement.
Foreign Minister Mohsin Naqvi: No Secret Talks With India
Earlier in the day, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed rumors regarding potential backdoor diplomacy between Pakistan and India.
In a conversation with journalists, Naqvi dismissed claims of secret negotiations, reiterating the government’s commitment to transparency in foreign policy.
“There are no backdoor channels. Pakistan maintains a principled position on Kashmir and regional peace,” he said.
His statement came as India’s Foreign Ministry also denied the presence of any unofficial dialogue, highlighting the current stalemate in bilateral relations.
Impact on Pakistan’s Regional Aviation Hub Status
While the ban impacts Indian carriers directly, aviation analysts caution that Pakistan’s image as a regional air transit hub could suffer long-term consequences if the restrictions are prolonged.
Some fear that international airlines may reconsider long-term route plans through Pakistani airspace if uncertainties persist.
“Aviation thrives on predictability. Prolonged bans can deter new partnerships and growth in regional connectivity,” warned a senior aviation policy consultant.
