India Extends Airspace Ban on Pakistani Aircraft Through May 24
NEW DELHI, India — India has extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft using its airspace through May 24, continuing restrictions first imposed after the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists.
A Notice to Airmen issued Wednesday said Indian airspace will remain closed to all Pakistan-registered aircraft, as well as planes operated or owned by Pakistani airlines or operators, including military flights. The restriction is in effect until 5:30 a.m. IST on May 24, corresponding to 2359 UTC on May 23.
The ban is part of a series of retaliatory measures taken following the Pahalgam attack and has now been in place for more than a year, with both countries renewing the restrictions on a rolling basis.
Pakistan has also extended its own ban on Indian aircraft through the same date, according to local media reports, maintaining a reciprocal closure that prevents either country’s airlines from using the other’s airspace.
The ongoing restrictions are forcing airlines to take longer, more costly routes. Fuel can account for up to 40 percent of an airline’s operating expenses, and extended flight paths are adding to financial strain across the industry.
Indian carriers, already navigating additional disruptions tied to Middle East conflicts, have been rerouting flights over the Arabian Sea, Central Asia, and parts of Africa. These detours are increasing travel times, boosting fuel consumption, and complicating crew scheduling due to duty time limits.
Air India has been particularly affected, with longer block times on several long-haul routes after avoiding airspace over Iran and Iraq. The airline has canceled multiple flights due to operational challenges tied to the restrictions.
In response, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has granted temporary relaxations to pilot duty time limits for Air India’s long-haul flights to Europe, the United States, and Canada, allowing the airline to manage extended routes while maintaining operations. (Source: IANS)
