On 17 December, Pakistan extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft by another month to 23 January.
Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines in April after the Pahalgam attack. India also imposed a similar ban on Pakistan.
The previous extension was due to expire on December 24, but the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) extended the restrictions until January 23 on Wednesday.
“Pakistani airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft, including all aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines, as well as to Indian military flights,” the PAA said.
According to the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), the restriction, which has already taken effect, “will continue until January 23, 2026, according to the specified times.”
Pakistan’s airspace is divided into two Flight Information Areas (FIRs) — Karachi and Lahore, according to a 2022 Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) document.
The NOTAM applies to both Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) FIRs.
Pakistani airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft, including all aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines, as well as Indian military flights.
A terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April that killed 26 people led to a four-day standoff between India and Pakistan in May, with Islamabad repeatedly extending a ban on Indian airlines flying over its airspace. India also imposed a similar ban on Pakistan.
