Pakistan Airport Authority extends ban on airspace until May 24

Pakistan has once again reinforced its sovereign position by extending the airspace ban on Indian aircraft until May 24, 2026, marking nearly a year since restrictions were first imposed.

According to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airport Authority, all Indian-registered, operated, and even military flights will remain barred from entering Pakistani airspace.

The restriction applies across both of Pakistan’s major flight regions, Karachi and Lahore, ensuring a complete and consistent enforcement of the policy. The previous deadline, set for April 24, has now been pushed forward as Islamabad maintains its firm approach.

The move comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions that began in April 2025 following an attack in Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir’s (IIOJ&K) Pahalgam. In response to what Pakistan termed as aggressive actions by New Delhi, decisive measures were taken, including the immediate closure of airspace to Indian airlines.

Pakistan has consistently rejected India’s allegations linking it to the incident, reiterating its call for an impartial investigation.

Despite escalating tensions, Islamabad has maintained that its actions are rooted in safeguarding national interests and upholding its sovereignty, sending a clear message of resolve on the regional stage.