India in Trouble as Aircraft Banned From Entering Pakistani Airspace

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has extended restrictions on Indian aircraft using Pakistan’s airspace until April 24, according to a new Notice to Airmen (Notam) issued on Wednesday.

The notice states that Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to all aircraft registered in India. The ban also applies to planes operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines or operators, as well as Indian military aircraft.

According to the Notam, the restriction covers both of Pakistan’s flight information regions, Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR), which manage air traffic across the country.

The latest notice was issued just days before the previous restriction was due to expire on March 23.

Pakistan airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft and those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines/operators, including military flights, until early hours of 24 April 2026. #PAA

— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) March 18, 2026

Background of the Airspace Dispute

Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated in April 2025 after an attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 people.

New Delhi accused Islamabad of involvement in the incident without presenting evidence, while Pakistan denied the allegations and offered a neutral investigation.

The situation further intensified in May 2025, when both countries reportedly engaged in their largest aerial confrontation in years, with Pakistan claiming it downed seven Indian fighter jets.

Since then, both countries have largely restricted each other’s airlines from using their airspace, disrupting several regional flight routes.