India has decided to prolong the ban on Pakistani aircraft in its airspace until May 24, 2026. This restriction has been in effect since April 2025 following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were tragically killed. The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Wednesday specified that Indian airspace remains off-limits to Pakistan-registered aircraft, including those operated by Pakistan airlines or military flights.
The ongoing ban, a retaliatory measure after the Pahalgam incident, has been consistently extended by both countries for over a year. As a result, flights are compelled to take longer routes, leading to increased fuel costs and impacting airlines’ profitability. This additional expenditure on fuel accounts for up to 40% of airlines’ operating costs.
In response, Pakistan has reciprocated by extending its airspace closure for Indian flights until May 24. This reciprocal monthly extension means that neither country’s aircraft can fly over the other’s airspace, creating operational and financial hurdles for airlines. The continued closure of Pakistan’s airspace for Indian carriers, coupled with recent airspace restrictions due to conflicts in the Middle East, has forced airlines to take longer detours over the Arabian Sea, Central Asia, and parts of Africa.
These diversions significantly lengthen flight times, leading to higher fuel consumption and increased pressure on crew duty limits. Airlines like Air India have had to adjust their routes, avoiding airspace over Iran and Iraq, resulting in longer flight durations and operational challenges. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted temporary relaxations in flight duty norms for Air India pilots on long-haul flights to Europe, the US, and Canada due to the airspace restrictions.
