New Delhi, July 23, 2025 – India has extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft entering its airspace until August 23, 2025, as announced by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol. The decision, formalized through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), prohibits all aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators, including military flights, from entering Indian airspace.

In a post on X, Minister Mohol stated, “The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace has been officially extended until 23rd August 2025. This extension reflects continued strategic considerations and is in line with prevailing security protocols. Stay tuned for further updates.”

The move follows Pakistan’s recent extension of its own airspace closure for Indian flights until August 24, 2025, as confirmed by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The reciprocal bans stem from heightened tensions between the two nations, triggered by the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. India’s initial airspace restriction was imposed on April 30, 2025, as part of retaliatory measures following the attack, which was linked to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

The NOTAM aligns with India’s ongoing security measures, including the large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise scheduled from July 23 to 25, 2025, in Rajasthan along the India-Pakistan border, covering areas from Barmer to Jodhpur. This exercise follows incidents of Pakistani drone and missile intrusions during India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam attack. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The airspace restrictions have disrupted regional aviation, forcing airlines to reroute flights, increasing fuel costs and travel times. Indian carriers, particularly those operating to the Middle East and Europe, have been significantly impacted, with Air India reporting losses of approximately $600 million over 12 months due to Pakistan’s airspace ban.

This latest extension marks the third since the initial ban was imposed, following renewals on May 23 and June 23, 2025. The decision reflects India’s firm stance on national security and its response to ongoing cross-border tensions. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

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