Pakistan airspace update: Ban extends for Indian aircraft until November 23 | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft until November 23, 2025.
- The ban applies to both civilian and military aircraft originating from or bound for India.
- The restriction was initially imposed following an attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and subsequent hostile actions by India.
- The ongoing ban is causing significant financial losses to Indian airlines due to longer routing.
- The broader conflict involved missile strikes and military confrontations, which were later paused by a US-brokered ceasefire.
Pakistan has prolonged its airspace closure to all Indian aircraft, both civilian and military, until November 23, 2025, according to a recent NOTAM from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. This ongoing restriction stems from retaliatory measures initiated after a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which India blamed on Pakistan. Following the initial incident, India took several hostile actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing border crossings, leading to a sharp escalation. Tensions peaked with cross-border missile strikes in early May, during which Pakistan claimed to have shot down Indian Rafale jets, followed by Pakistan's Operation Bunyanum Marsoos targeting Indian military sites. A ceasefire was eventually brokered by US President Donald Trump and confirmed by both nations' foreign officials, though the current airspace ban remains in effect, significantly impacting Indian aviation.
