Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft to 24 November

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft by another month, to 24 November 2026, according to AeroTime. The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) pushing back the previous expiry date of 24 October 2026. Indian airlines flying west from India remain affected.

What the ban covers

AeroTime reports that the restriction applies to Indian-registered aircraft and to aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights. It covers both the Karachi and Lahore flight information regions. The latest NOTAM is an extension rather than a new measure; the original restriction dates from April 2025.

Effect on airlines and routes

According to AeroTime, the closure hits flights from northern India heading towards Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, the Caucasus and North America, many of which previously used Pakistani airspace as a direct corridor. Air India, IndiGo and Air India Express are named among the affected carriers.

Depending on the destination, flights take longer routes around Pakistan, often over the Arabian Sea and Iranian airspace. AeroTime says this raises fuel burn and operating costs and complicates crew scheduling, aircraft rotations and flight planning. Some long-haul services have needed technical stops for refuelling, while other routes have seen schedule changes or temporary suspensions.

AeroTime also notes that Air India is cutting some European services for the 2026 winter season, including suspending Delhi to Copenhagen and Vienna and reducing frequencies elsewhere. The airline cites the airspace closure alongside high fuel prices and aircraft availability, so the cuts cannot be blamed on the ban alone.

How the dispute began

The ban followed an attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, which killed 26 people. AeroTime reports that India accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, which Islamabad denied. Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on 23 April 2025, and India responded a week later with a reciprocal ban on Pakistani-registered aircraft and those operated, owned or leased by Pakistani airlines.

Tensions rose further in May 2025 when India launched Operation Sindoor. A ceasefire was later agreed, but, according to AeroTime, both countries have kept their airspace restrictions in place.

What this means for travellers

• Longer journeys: Indian carriers will keep flying detours on westbound routes, so flight times on affected services can be longer than they were before the ban.
• Possible technical stops: some long-haul flights have needed refuelling stops, which can change schedules.
• Fewer options on some routes: Air India's winter reductions to Europe, including Copenhagen and Vienna, may limit choice, although other factors are involved.
• Fares: the sources describe higher operating costs but give no fare figures, so the effect on ticket prices is not stated.
• Check before you fly: the ban is renewed month by month, so travellers should confirm schedules and routings with their airline.

The sources do not say whether further extensions are expected after 24 November.

Sources: AeroTime