Pakistan has once again extended its prohibition on Indian airlines and aircraft registered in India from traversing its airspace, prolonging a restriction that has now been in effect for close to a full year. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) recently issued an updated Notice to Airmen (Notam), confirming that Indian-registered flights will remain barred from Pakistani skies until April 24. This continued closure underscores the persistent strain in relations between the two neighboring countries, particularly in the aviation sector.
The initial airspace ban was imposed on April 23, 2025, marking the beginning of a significant disruption in commercial air travel between the two nations. This move has inflicted substantial financial damage on Indian airlines, with losses running into billions of rupees due to longer flight routes and operational challenges. The closure has forced Indian carriers to reroute flights, increasing fuel consumption and flight times, which in turn has raised ticket prices and affected passenger convenience.
This latest extension is part of a broader tit-for-tat dynamic that has characterized Indo-Pakistani relations in recent years. Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace followed India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a pivotal agreement governing water sharing between the two countries. This suspension came amid escalating tensions triggered by the deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which further deteriorated the already fragile diplomatic ties.
In retaliation, India responded by shutting its own airspace to Pakistani airlines starting April 30, 2025, effectively severing direct air links between the two nations. The situation escalated dramatically in early May when India launched unprovoked military strikes on several Pakistani cities on May 6 and 7. Pakistan’s armed forces swiftly countered with a large-scale military operation named “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” targeting multiple Indian military installations across various regions. During this confrontation, Pakistan claimed to have shot down seven Indian fighter jets, including three advanced Rafale aircraft, along with numerous drones.
The intense conflict, which lasted for approximately 87 hours, concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, bringing a temporary halt to hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Despite the ceasefire, the aviation restrictions have persisted, reflecting the ongoing mistrust and unresolved issues between Islamabad and New Delhi.
It is important to note that this is not the first time Pakistan has imposed such stringent airspace restrictions on India. Similar measures were taken during previous periods of heightened conflict, notably during the 1999 Kargil War and the 2019 Pulwama crisis. In both instances, Indian aviation suffered more significant disruptions compared to Pakistan’s aviation sector, highlighting the asymmetric impact of these bans. While Indian airlines have borne the brunt of financial and operational setbacks, Pakistan’s aviation industry has experienced relatively minimal adverse effects.
As the April 24 deadline approaches, the continuation of this airspace closure remains a key indicator of the fragile state of Indo-Pak relations. The aviation sector, a vital component of regional connectivity and economic exchange, continues to be caught in the crossfire of political and military tensions. Observers will be watching closely to see whether any diplomatic breakthroughs emerge that could lead to the reopening of air routes and a normalization of travel between the two countries.
