Pakistan extends ban on Indian aircraft till Nov 24

Pakistan on Saturday extended its ban on the use of its airspace by Indian aircraft until November 24, 2026, at 4:59am, according to an official notice.

The restriction covers Indian-registered aircraft as well as aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines or operators.

The ban also prohibits Indian aircraft from using Pakistani airspace for military flights.

Earlier, Pakistan had extended the airspace restriction on Indian-registered aircraft until October 24, 2026.

Pakistan imposed the airspace restriction amid heightened tensions with India, following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 2025.

India accused Pakistan of backing the Pahalgam attack but did not publicly provide evidence establishing Islamabad’s involvement. Pakistan denied the allegation and called for a neutral investigation.

The two nuclear-armed neighbours subsequently engaged in intense aerial combat in May 2025. Pakistan shot down seven Indian fighter jets during the clashes.

The restriction has since been extended multiple times, and the latest extension indicates that the restrictions will remain in place for another month.

The ban have so far cost millions of dollars as Indian airlines are compelled to use alternative routing, typically adding flight time and fuel costs to journeys between India and destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.