Pakistan extends airspace ban on India until Sep 23

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has extended its airspace closure for Indian-registered and Indian-operated aircraft until September 23, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued Wednesday.

According to the NOTAM — issued to inform aviation authorities and airlines of the restrictions — the extension applies to both India commercial and military flights.

This follows the initial ban imposed on April 23 amid heightened military tensions between the two countries.

The ban was extended after India launched missile strikes on multiple locations within Pakistan in May, prompting strong condemnation from Pakistani officials and later a befitting response in the form of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

During the operation launched to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pakistan closed its airspace for 48 hours, leading to the cancellation of all commercial flights.

However, the airspace was fully restored for all flights after the feuding countries reached a ceasefire agreement.

Airspace ban results in huge losses for India

The restriction forces Indian carriers to reroute flights on western routes — to Europe, North America, West Asia, and the Caucasus — resulting in longer flying times, increased fuel costs, and logistical disruptions.

This continued closure adds precious flight hours for airlines like Air India, significantly affecting profitability.

Air India’s CEO estimated in May that increased routing complexities and fuel costs could amount to losses of about $600 million annually if the ban persists for a year.

Air India on April 27 asked the Indian government for a “subsidy model” proportionate to the economic hit, estimating a loss of more than 50 billion Indian rupees ($591 million) for each year the ban lasts.

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“Subsidy for affected international flights is a good, verifiable and fair option … the subsidy can be removed when the situation improves,” the letter said.

“The impact on Air India is maximum due to airspace closure, due to additional fuel burn…additional crew.”