🛫 Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft Until August 24

• Jul 19, 2025

What the NOTAM Says

Pakistan’s Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) effective July 18, 2025, banning all aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Indian entities—including civilian and military—from flying through Pakistani airspace. The restriction will remain in effect until 4:59 a.m. (Pakistan time) on August 24 Reuters+13Arab News+13mint+13.

Backstory: Tit-for-Tat Diplomacy

• On April 22, a terror attack in Pahalgam escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

• Pakistan responded by closing its airspace from April 24, citing diplomatic strain. India reciprocated by banning Pakistani aircraft from its airspace on April 30 Business Standard+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5.

• Both nations have been renewing these bans monthly, citing national security concerns Business Standard+2The Indian Express+2The Economic Times+2.

Impact on Airlines & Travel

• Indian carriers like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express are forced to reroute flights bound for West Asia, Europe, the UK, and North America, bypassing Pakistan The Indian Express+1mint+1.

• This rerouting adds between 15 minutes to several hours to flight durations, leading to increased fuel burn, higher crew costs, and logistical challenges The Indian Express.

• Air India reportedly estimates a burden of ~US $600 million annually due to these diversions and has requested government relief Reuters.

Pakistan’s Own Air Traffic Impact

• The ban has a minimal effect on Pakistan’s national carrier, PIA, due to its relatively limited international network Arab News+2The Indian Express+2China.org.cn+2.

• However, Pakistan also loses potential overflight fee revenue from other airlines avoiding its airspace Wikipedia.

What Lies Ahead

• India’s NOTAM banning Pakistani aircraft remains valid until July 24 and is expected to be renewed Wikipedia+6The Indian Express+6mint+6.

• These extended restrictions signal continued diplomatic tension post the Pahalgam incident and subsequent regional unrest Wikipedia+6The Indian Express+6The Times of India+6.

• Until August 24, flights from India to Europe, North America, and Central Asia will continue facing extended flight times and higher operational costs.

✈️ Summary

• Ban in place: April 24 – August 24, 2025 (ongoing)

• Effect: Indian civilian & military aircraft barred

• Reason: Diplomatic retaliation following escalating tensions post-Pahalgam terror attack

• Consequences:

  • Longer flight durations and rerouted paths for Indian airlines

  • Elevated costs—Air India faces up to $600 million in extra burdens

  • Potential revenue shortfalls for Pakistan’s PAA

• Next Steps: Expect mutual monthly renewals until diplomatic resolution is reached