India extends airspace ban on Pakistani flights and military aircraft till June 23

India has extended its ban on Pakistani flights, including military aircraft, from using Indian airspace until June 23. The decision follows instructions issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry and comes in response to Pakistan’s own extension of airspace restrictions for Indian aircraft earlier this week. The Indian NOTAM (Notice to Airmen/Air Missions) explicitly bars entry to any aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Pakistani entities, including those of the Pakistan military.

The tit-for-tat move signals escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, especially after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives. In retaliation, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These developments have led to a series of diplomatic and logistical cut-offs on both sides.

India has already suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and revoked all visas issued to Pakistani citizens. The Attari-Wagah Integrated Check Post has been shut, and travel privileges under the Saarc visa exemption scheme have been cancelled. Pakistani nationals in India on valid documents were given a deadline to exit.

In response, Pakistan closed its side of the Wagah border, suspended Saarc visa privileges for Indian citizens, and declared that it would suspend all bilateral pacts unless India complies with "international law and UN resolutions" on Kashmir. The current airspace restrictions—enforced under ICAO guidelines—are limited to one month but can be renewed indefinitely.

This growing standoff has severely affected air connectivity across northern corridors, including commercial flight routes over the Hindu Kush region and military movements. Both nations are closely monitoring the situation, with further retaliatory measures not ruled out.