Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft Until September 24
Pakistan is keeping Indian airplanes out of its airspace until September 24.
The rule covers Indian planes, aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines, and military flights.
It applies to two parts of Pakistan’s airspace called the Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.
The extension begins at 10:15 a.m.
on August 23.
It ends at 4:59 a.m.
on September 24.
India has a similar restriction on Pakistani aircraft.
The two countries introduced these restrictions after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025.
Longer routes have increased travel times and costs for airlines and passengers.
Pakistan extended its airspace closure to Indian aircraft until September 24.
The restriction covers Indian-registered aircraft, Indian airline-operated or leased aircraft, and military flights.
The extension runs from 10:15 a.m. on August 23 to 4:59 a.m. on September 24.
The ban applies to Pakistan’s Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.
India maintains a reciprocal ban on Pakistani aircraft following the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people.
- Who
- Pakistan and India, including their airlines and military aircraft.
- What
- Pakistan extended its ban on Indian-registered, Indian-operated or leased, and military aircraft.
- When
- From 10:15 a.m. on August 23 until 4:59 a.m. on September 24.
- Where
- Pakistan’s Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.
- Why
- The restrictions followed the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 people.
- Restriction
- Indian aircraft cannot use Pakistan’s airspace.
- Effective period
- 10:15 a.m. on August 23 to 4:59 a.m. on September 24.
- Aircraft covered
- Indian-registered aircraft, aircraft operated or leased by Indian airlines or operators, and military flights.
- Airspace regions
- Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.
- Reciprocal measure
- India maintains a ban on Pakistani-registered aircraft, airlines, and military flights.
- Triggering event
- The Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, which killed 26 people.
- Reported effects
- Longer alternative routes, increased operating costs, and extended travel times for passengers.
