Pakistan extends ban on Indian aircraft using airspace until September 24

Pakistan on Wednesday extended its closure of airspace to India for another month, with the restriction remaining in place until September 24, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The restriction applies to all civil and military aircraft of Indian-registered airlines, the notice says. The authority added that under the extended restriction, no Indian-registered aircraft can use Pakistan’s airspace, even if the aircraft has been taken on lease. The PAA issued the NOTAM announcing the extension. Earlier, the PAA extended the restriction on Indian aircraft using its airspace until August 24, and before that, until June 24, May 24, April 24, and March 23. Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian aircraft since April 2025, when tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi sharply escalated after an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The attack killed 26 people, India immediately blaming Pakistan for the incident. Pakistan, however, categorically rejected the blame and offered to support a neutral investigation. Read: Pakistan extends airspace closure for Indian aircraft till August 24 In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the day after the incident. On April 23, 2025, it suspended the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies. Tensions further escalated in May, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. Read More: Taliban using Indian funds for cross-border terrorism against Pakistan: ex-Afghan army chief In response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. India then targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets. On May 10, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.