In a move that prolongs the ongoing aerial standoff, Pakistan has once again extended its ban on Indian aircraft from using its airspace. The restrictions, which were set to lapse on December 24, will now remain in force for another month, until January 23, 2026. This marks the latest in a series of extensions that began in the aftermath of heightened tensions earlier this year.
Details of the Extended Ban
The decision was officially announced by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Wednesday, December 17. According to the official Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the prohibition is comprehensive. Pakistan airspace will remain closed to all Indian-registered aircraft. This includes any plane owned, operated, or leased by Indian airlines, as well as all flights by the Indian military.
The NOTAM applies to both of Pakistan's primary Flight Information Regions (FIRs) – the Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) FIRs. The extension means the existing restrictions, already in place for months, will continue under specified timings until the new deadline.
Background and Reciprocal Actions
The genesis of this airspace closure dates back to April, following a tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The incident escalated into a four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan in May. In response, Islamabad initially closed its skies to Indian traffic.
India has responded in kind, imposing a similar ban on Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace. This reciprocal action has effectively severed direct aerial connectivity between the two nations, forcing airlines to take longer, costlier detours.
Impact and Looking Ahead
The persistent airspace bans have significant operational and financial ramifications for airlines on both sides. Flights between parts of North India and the West, or to destinations like the Middle East and Europe, now face longer flight times and increased fuel consumption when avoiding Pakistani airspace.
With the extension now pushing the deadline to January 23, 2026, there is no immediate sign of a thaw in this aspect of bilateral relations. The situation remains fluid, dependent on the broader diplomatic and security dynamics between New Delhi and Islamabad. The aviation authorities and airlines will need to continue factoring these prolonged restrictions into their flight planning and schedules for the foreseeable future.
