India extends airspace closure for Pakistani flights till September 24

India has extended the closure of its airspace for Pakistan-registered aircraft and those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistan airlines and operators, including military flights, till September 24. The order was issued through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on August 22. The restriction was first enforced on April 30 following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the NOTAM, Indian airspace will remain unavailable to Pakistani aircraft until 2359 hrs UTC on September 23, which translates to 5:30 AM IST on September 24. The extension continues a series of monthly orders that began in May. Pakistan also issued a NOTAM on August 20 extending the closure of its own airspace for Indian planes till September 24.

The measures form part of a broader set of restrictions introduced by India after the April attack. These included suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, reduction of diplomatic staff in High Commissions, a ban on imports from Pakistan, and restrictions preventing Pakistani-flagged ships from Indian ports as well as Indian-flagged ships from docking at ports in Pakistan.

The continuing airspace restrictions have had a significant operational impact on airlines. Air India has estimated a potential financial loss of around $600 million over a 12-month period due to longer routes and higher costs resulting from Pakistan’s airspace ban on Indian carriers. The airline has approached the government for financial assistance to manage the additional burden.

Both nations have consistently renewed their respective bans on a monthly basis since April. The restrictions remain in force for both civilian and military aviation and will continue until at least September 24 unless reviewed or extended further by either side.