Pakistan extends airspace ban on India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for India by another month, it emerged on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Airports Authority said that it has decided to keep Pakistan’s airspace closed to India-registered aircraft until January 23, 2026.

A fresh NOTAM has been issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority with the approval of the federal government.

Under the notification, all Indian military and private aircraft will not be allowed to transit through Pakistan’s airspace.

It may be recalled that Pakistan has kept its airspace closed for India since April 23, 2025.

Earlier, Indian airlines had requested the government to seek permission for using Chinese airspace after Pakistan’s closure of airspace begins to weigh heavily on India. The move comes at a time when Modi’s India is increasingly being pressured by international media for war crimes.

Concerns have increased over the closure of Pakistani airspace by Air India airline, Reuters said in a report, as the airline has requested the Indian government to use China’s sensitive airspace.

Earlier, international media reported that Pakistan’s air ban is causing huge financial losses to the Indian airline, with Air India’s flights becoming longer and more expensive after the ban.

The Indian government is considering Air India’s request. Air India, India’s only major international airline, is in financial crisis and is seeking help from China to cover its losses.