Business Desk 
Jul 19, 2025
Pakistan has prolonged its ban on all Indian-registered aircraft from using its airspace until August 23, according to a new notification that was issued by the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) on Friday.
According to the PAA, the suspension of airspace was introduced on April 23 in conjunction with an escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India.
The airspace ban causes significantly longer westbound trip routes for Indian airlines that add fuel burn and longer travel time and is a drain on operating costs.
According to the new Notice to Amen (#NOTAM) from the PAA, the ban on Indian-registered aircraft covers all Indian airlines regardless of whether the aircraft are owned, leased, civil aircraft or military aircraft.
Indian-registered for aircraft are disallowed to operate in Pakistani airspace, which is one indication of the challenges in bilateral relations despite negotiation by other countries to mediate the dispute.
This is not the first time that the ban has been extended. Pakistan extended the suspension just last month until July 23.
The most recent extension seems to imply that tension has not completely de-escalated in spite of a ceasefire through previously brokered US negotiations.
The airspace closure has severely restricted certain routes from India to Europe, the Middle East and the US for thousands of passengers almost every day.
Some Indian airlines are now adding a 90-minute-plus hold to their on-the-ground dependencies.
