Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft
Pakistan has decided to keep its airspace closed to Indian aircraft for another month, until January 23, 2026.
This means Indian planes can't fly over Pakistan, which makes their trips longer and more expensive.
The ban started after a scary event in a place called Pahalgam in April 2024.
Both India and Pakistan have been doing this to each other, making it harder for their airlines to fly efficiently.
The airspace is divided into two parts, Karachi and Lahore, and both are affected by this ban.
The previous ban was supposed to end on December 24, 2024, but it was extended again.
This is because of the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Pakistan extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until January 23, 2026.
The ban was initially imposed in April 2024 following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
The restriction applies to both Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR) Flight Information Regions (FIRs).
Indian airlines are forced to operate longer routes, increasing fuel costs and flight durations.
India has imposed a reciprocal ban on Pakistani aircraft.
- Who
- Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) and Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA)
- What
- Extension of the ban on Indian aircraft using Pakistani airspace
- When
- The ban was first imposed in April 2024 and extended to January 23, 2026
- Where
- Pakistan's airspace, specifically the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs)
- Why
- Due to continuing diplomatic and aviation tensions between India and Pakistan, following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in April 2024
Pakistan's Stance
India's Stance
Airspace Ban
Pakistan's Stance
Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until January 23, 2026, citing security concerns and the aftermath of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
India's Stance
India has imposed a reciprocal ban on Pakistani aircraft, affecting both commercial and military flights.
- Initial Ban Date
- April 2024
- Previous Expiration Date
- December 24, 2024
- Extended Ban Date
- January 23, 2026
- Affected Flight Information Regions
- Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR)
- Impact on Indian Airlines
- Longer routes, increased fuel costs, and extended flight durations
Sources
Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft by a month, pushing curbs to January 23
Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian carrier until January 23
Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft by another month
Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban for Indian Aircraft by Another Month
Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban For Indian Aircraft Till January 23
