India extends airspace ban on Pakistani aircraft till May 24
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India has extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft using its domestic airspace until May 24, continuing a restriction that has been in place for over a year.
A Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, issued on Wednesday said Indian airspace will remain unavailable for Pakistan-registered aircraft as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators, including military flights.
The restriction will be effective until 2359 hours UTC on May 23, which corresponds to 0530 hours IST on May 24.
The latest move follows a similar decision by Pakistan, which on Tuesday extended its own airspace closure for Indian aircraft until May 24. Both countries have been renewing these restrictions on a monthly basis since last year.
The reciprocal airspace bans were first imposed in April 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 people. Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian aircraft from April 24, 2025, while India implemented its ban starting April 30, 2025.
The Indian government’s decision to restrict Pakistani aircraft was part of a series of measures taken in response to the attack. The initial ban was set to last until May 24, 2025, and has been extended repeatedly since then.
A NOTAM is an official notice that provides essential information to personnel involved in flight operations.
As a result of the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, Indian airlines have been operating longer routes for several international flights, increasing travel time and operational costs.