ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace to allIndian-registered aircraft until December 23, 2025, in a move underscoringpersistent bilateral strains. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA)issued a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on November 19, prohibiting entry forboth passenger and military flights from India. This extension follows aseries of reciprocal measures that have disrupted regional air travel sinceearly 2025. Officials cited national security imperatives as the primaryrationale, amid reports of heightened military activities along the Line ofControl.
The decision impacts major Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo,which have rerouted flights over longer paths, incurring substantialoperational costs. According to aviation analysts, the ban exacerbates fuelexpenses and delays for passengers traveling between South Asia and Europeor the Middle East. Pakistani airlines, including Pakistan InternationalAirlines, face similar hurdles due to India’s parallel restrictions. ThePCAA emphasized that the measure remains under review, contingent onde-escalation efforts through diplomatic channels.
This latest prolongation revives memories of the 2019 Pulwama crisis, whenairspace closures lasted weeks and strained economies on both sides.International bodies, including the International Civil AviationOrganization, have urged restraint to safeguard global connectivity. Indianauthorities expressed regret over the extension, labeling it an unnecessaryescalation that hampers people-to-people ties. Meanwhile, Pakistanidiplomats reiterated that the policy safeguards sovereignty withouttargeting civilian aviation inherently.
As winter approaches, the ban could further complicate humanitarian aidcorridors and pilgrimage routes. Stakeholders anticipate potentialnegotiations at upcoming forums like the South Asian Association forRegional Cooperation. The PCAA has assured that exemptions may apply foremergency flights, subject to prior clearance. This development highlightsthe fragility of aviation diplomacy in a geopolitically chargedneighborhood, where mutual distrust perpetuates cycles of retaliation.
Read Top Stories
Source:www.dawn.com/news/1775123/pakistan-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-till-december-23″>https://www.dawn.com/news/1775123/pakistan-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-till-december-23
Source: www.arabnews.com/node/2612630/pakistan”>https://www.arabnews.com/node/2612630/pakistan
