ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft, including all aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Indian airlines, as well as Indian military flights, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). Officials said the restriction already in force has been extended under a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), and will continue until January 23, 2026, in line with the specified timings. The ban applies comprehensively to commercial, as well as, military aviation operations linked to India. The PAA confirmed that the continued closure is part of existing airspace management measures and will remain effective for the stated period unless reviewed earlier through a fresh NOTAM. Pakistan first imposed restrictions on Indian aircraft following heightened tensions between the two countries in 2019. Although partial relaxations were introduced intermittently, airspace limitations for Indian-registered and Indian-operated aircraft have remained a recurring feature of bilateral aviation arrangements amid unresolved political and security issues. The prolonged restriction has had operational and cost implications for Indian airlines, which are required to use longer alternate routes for westbound international flights, particularly to destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025