Tensions in the Skies: India Extends Airspace Ban on Pakistan Airlines

23 August-Kolkata, India: On Friday, the Indian government and administration extended its flight ban on Pakistani airlines and aircraft by restricting them from entering the Indian airspace for another month until September 24. The Indian aviation authorities registered the decision for a fresh notice to airmen (NOTAM) after Pakistan extended its ban on Indian airlines for the same amount of time.

This most recent action marks the beginning of the fifth month of airspace restrictions between the two nations.

India’s new NOTAM to Pakistan

Authorities issued the restrictions after the terror attack in Pahalgam in April, where terrorists from Pakistan slain 26 civilians, severely deteriorating relations between Islamabad and New Delhi. After Pakistan banned Indian aircraft from using its airspace for a month on April 24, India retaliated on April 30 by banning Pakistani airlines and aircraft as well.

Since then, both neighbouring nations have issued NOTAMs that prolong the limits once a month. Notably, other nations’ flights remain unaffected even though Indian and Pakistani carriers cannot use each other’s airspace.

India’s new NOTAM is the same and identical to the original one, with the only exception of increased duration of one month, which includes Pakistani aircraft, including military aircraft, will not be allowed to fly in the airspace until 5:29 a.m. on September 24. At the same time, Pakistan’s NOTAM also expires.

The Impact on Indian Flight Services

The restriction of Pakistani airspace has had a significant impact on Indian airlines and aircraft services. About 800 weekly flights now require longer routes, primarily from North India to locations in West Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the UK, and North America. This change has expanded flight duration from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the allotted locations, increased operational costs due to complex crew scheduling and increased fuel use.

In contrast, India’s closure barely affects Pakistan. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the nation’s faltering national carrier with a small worldwide presence, only runs a few weekly flights—roughly six between Kuala Lumpur and Lahore or Islamabad—that formerly crossed Indian airspace.