India extends airspace closure for Pakistan aircraft till May 24
India has extended its ban on Pakistan-operated aircraft from using Indian airspace until May 24, continuing a restriction in place for over a year since the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The move forces rerouting of flights and prolongs bilateral aviation restrictions
New Delhi: India has extended the ban on Pakistan planes from using its airspace till May 24. With the latest extension, the closure of the Indian airspace for Pakistan aircraft will now be in place for more than a year — a move that first came days after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. Since April last year, both countries have been extending the closure of their airspaces for each other’s planes. On Tuesday, Pakistan extended the airspace closure till May 24.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday said the Indian airspace will not be available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated/ owned or leased by Pakistan airlines/ operators, including military flights.
The ban will be effective till 2359 hours (UTC) on May 23, which means 0530 hours (IST) on May 24.
Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 people, India and Pakistan closed their respective airspaces for each other’s planes. India’s airspace ban has been in place since April 30 last year, while Pakistan has closed its airspace for Indian aircraft from April 24, 2025.
The ban, part of various measures taken by the Indian government against Pakistan in the wake of the terror attack, was initially till May 24, 2025 and has been subsequently extended every month.
Generally, a NOTAM is a notice containing information that is essential for personnel involved in flight operations. Indian airlines are now taking longer routes to various international destinations due to the Pakistan airspace closure.
