ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has issued another NOTAM extending the ongoing ban on Indian aircraft, keeping the country’s airspace closed to all Indian-registered, operated, or owned flights — including military aircraft — until December 24. The latest directive continues the month-on-month extensions first imposed amid heightened diplomatic friction between the two neighbouring states.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, the ban remains an “operational restriction” but carries wider implications for regional aviation. With Pakistan’s airspace sealed, Indian commercial airlines have been forced to take longer alternate routes, resulting in additional flight time, increased fuel consumption, and greater operational costs. The restriction has not only strained carrier logistics but has also affected schedules and connections across multiple regional and international routes.
The renewed NOTAM underscores the persistent chill in bilateral relations, with no indication yet of diplomatic engagement that could lead to reopening of airspace. Aviation sector analysts believe the ongoing closure reflects broader geopolitical tensions that continue to shape interactions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
For now, Pakistan’s position remains firm, and unless a shift occurs at the political level, the extended ban suggests that the status quo is likely to persist into the near future — with both diplomatic and commercial ramifications.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
