• Source:JND
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Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft until December 24, according to a fresh notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Wednesday. The new order comes just four days before the previous ban was set to expire, prolonging restrictions that have been in place since April 24.

The closure, effective from 2:50 pm on November 19 to 4:59 am on December 24 Pakistan time, applies to all Indian-registered aircraft, including those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines, as well as military flights. The ban covers Pakistan’s two Flight Information Regions (FIRs), Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR), from ground level up to unlimited altitude, effectively closing the country’s entire controlled airspace to Indian aircraft.

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India-Pakistan Airspace Clash Continues

The airspace restrictions stem from rising tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack. In retaliation, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), which led to intense military confrontations before a ceasefire was agreed on May 10.

Impact On Indian Airlines

Indian carriers have faced significant operational and financial challenges due to Pakistan’s prolonged airspace closure. Airlines, including Air India, are exploring alternate routes over Chinese airspace to mitigate the impact. Rerouted flights have increased travel times by up to three hours and driven fuel costs higher by as much as 29 per cent. Air India estimates the ban has cost around USD 455 million in potential annual profit, exceeding its reported fiscal 2024–25 loss of USD 439 million, according to Dawn news.

The renewed NOTAM reiterates that all Indian flights are prohibited from entering Pakistan’s FIRs, covering both Karachi and Lahore zones. This means both northern and southern controlled airspaces remain off-limits to Indian aviation. 

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