Pakistan Prolongs Airspace Ban on Indian Flights Until September 23
In a move that highlights the persistent strain in Indo-Pak relations, Pakistan has officially extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until September 23, 2025. The decision was announced by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) through a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on August 20, reaffirming restrictions on both civilian and military Indian flights.
Details of the Airspace Ban Extension
The PAA’s NOTAM clearly states that all aircraft operated by Indian airlines, whether civilian or military, will continue to be barred from traversing Pakistani airspace. This extension marks over five months since the initial airspace shutdown, which began abruptly on April 23, shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir claimed 26 lives.
“From August 20 to September 23, Pakistan airspace will not be accessible to any Indian-registered aircraft or those owned, operated, or leased by Indian entities, including military flights,” the Pakistan Aviation News Twitter handle shared, quoting the NOTAM.
Background: A Cycle of Retaliation
The closure was initially enacted as a security response to escalating tensions in Kashmir but quickly took on a wider diplomatic significance. India reciprocated by barring Pakistani aircraft from its own airspace on April 30. Since then, both nations have extended these bans multiple times, disrupting air traffic and triggering economic consequences.
- April 23, 2025: Pakistan closes airspace to Indian flights.
- April 30, 2025: India responds with reciprocal ban.
- May 23, 2025: First extension of Pakistan’s ban.
- July 2025: Further extension until August 24.
- August 2025: Latest extension announced until September 23.
Economic Impact: A Costly Standoff
This prolonged closure comes at a significant economic cost, particularly for Pakistan. In a recent disclosure to the National Assembly, the Pakistani Ministry of Defence revealed that the PAA has suffered a revenue loss of approximately PKR 4.1 billion (about $23 million) between April 24 and June 30, primarily due to lost overflight fees from Indian-registered aircraft.
These fees are a substantial source of income, considering that daily overflights by Indian planes numbered between 100 and 150 before the ban, accounting for an estimated 20% reduction in transit air traffic. Historical parallels to a similar airspace closure in 2019 indicate losses could exceed these figures as disruptions persist.
Wider Geopolitical and Legal Context
Analysts note that this escalation intersects with Pakistan's decision earlier in the year to put the Indus Water Treaty into abeyance, further straining bilateral relations. The water dispute, coupled with repeated security incidents, continues to drive diplomatic deterioration.
From a policy perspective, these airspace bans reflect how geopolitical conflicts frequently spill over into civil aviation, affecting international connectivity and commerce. For airlines, longer routes circumventing Pakistani airspace translate to higher fuel costs and delayed schedules, amplifying passenger inconvenience.
Looking Ahead: Questions and Considerations
While the extension signals no immediate easing of tensions, observers caution that continued airspace closures hurt both countries economically and escalate mutual distrust. The international aviation community often advocates for keeping skies open despite political disputes, emphasizing the humanitarian and commercial implications.
Key questions remain:
- Could renewed diplomatic dialogue lead to a reopening of air corridors?
- What frameworks might mitigate the economic fallout for the civil aviation sectors in both countries?
- How might these extended sanctions influence regional security and cooperation moving forward?
Editor's Note
The ongoing airspace ban between Pakistan and India underscores the complex entanglement of security concerns and economic imperatives. While official statements frame the bans as necessary security measures, the significant financial losses and operational disruptions raise urgent questions about the strategic cost-benefit balance. As tensions linger, the broader impact on regional stability and connectivity must not be overlooked. Observers and policymakers alike should consider avenues for dialogue that prioritize both security and the shared benefits of open skies.
