https://arab.news/6rhhd
- The ban was first imposed in April after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that led to a war that killed 70
- Rerouting flights has raised costs, with Air India estimating about $600 million in annual additional expenses
KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until Oct. 24, according to an official notification, as tensions remain high between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since they fought an intense four-day war in May that killed at least 70 people in both countries.
The restriction was first imposed on Apr. 24 as part of a series of tit-for-tat measures announced by both India and Pakistan, days after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad.
Pakistani authorities denied any involvement, calling for a transparent international probe. However, India targeted several sites in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, triggering intense missile, drone and artillery exchanges before a US-brokered ceasefire was announced on May 10.
“Pakistan’s airspace will remain unavailable for aircraft registered in India," the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced. "The ban applies to all planes owned, operated, or leased by Indian airlines or operators, including military flights.”
“The restriction will take effect on Sept. 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (PKT) and is scheduled to end on Oct. 24, 2025, at 4:59 a.m. (PKT)," it added.
Describing the end time as "tentative," the notification said the ban "is effective from the ground up to unlimited altitude.”
This is the fifth time Pakistan has extended the ban, which has forced Indian airlines to reroute flights, increasing fuel consumption, travel times and operating costs.
Air India, which operates numerous flights to Europe and North America, estimated in May the airspace ban could lead to about $600 million in additional expenses over the course of a year and requested compensation from the Indian government.