Pakistan has once again extended the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft, pushing the restriction until January 24, 2026, as regional tensions with India continue to simmer.
The decision was confirmed through a fresh Notice to Airmen (Notam) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Wednesday.
According to the Notam, the latest Pakistan airspace closure extension will remain effective from December 16, 2025, to January 24, 2026 (PST). The ban applies across the board to all Indian-owned, operated, and leased aircraft, including both civilian and military flights.
The PAA clarified that this move is not a new development but a continuation of an existing restriction that has already been in place for the past eight months. With the latest extension, the total duration of Pakistan’s airspace ban for Indian aircraft has now reached 210 days, making it one of the longest such restrictions in recent history.
Pakistan initially closed its airspace in response to India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, a move that followed the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Islamabad termed the suspension a violation of international agreements and responded with reciprocal measures.
Following Pakistan’s airspace closure, India retaliated by shutting its own airspace to Pakistani airlines on April 30. Pakistan’s original ban was first extended on May 23, and the latest Notam marks yet another Pakistan airspace closure extension amid unresolved diplomatic and security concerns.
Tensions further escalated on May 6–7, when India carried out what Pakistan described as unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities. In response, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a large-scale retaliatory operation, “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” targeting Indian military installations across several regions.
During the confrontation, Pakistan downed seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, along with dozens of drones. After nearly 87 hours of heightened military engagement, the conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors ended on May 10, following a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
