Pakistan Has Extended Its Airspace Closure to Indian Aircraft Until 24 October

Pakistan has issued a fresh Notice to Airmen extending its closure of national airspace to Indian aircraft until 24 October 2026, according to Pakistani and Indian aviation reports in mid-September. The closure, first imposed on 23 April 2025 after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following an attack in Pahalgam, has now been extended repeatedly through a series of Notams covering both the Lahore and Karachi flight information regions, effectively all of Pakistani airspace. India closed its own airspace to Pakistani aircraft in a reciprocal move shortly afterwards, and both restrictions have run in parallel since.

What it means for flights

The ban applies to all Indian-registered aircraft and to aircraft operated or leased by Indian carriers, which forces Indian airlines flying to parts of Europe, the UK and North America to route around Pakistani airspace rather than over it. In practice this has meant longer flight times and higher fuel burn on some western-bound routes out of Delhi and Mumbai, an operational reality Indian carriers have now been managing for well over a year. Flights to South East Asia, East Asia and Gulf destinations that do not normally route over Pakistan are largely unaffected.

No sign of a near-term resolution

With this the latest in a long sequence of extensions since April 2025, there is no indication from either side of a timeline for reopening. Travellers booking Indian carriers on long-haul westbound routes should expect the current, longer routings to remain the norm at least through the new 24 October deadline, and possibly beyond it if the closure is extended again as it has been repeatedly to date.

As with any fast-moving aviation restriction, details can change with little notice. Travellers should confirm current routings and expected flight times directly with their airline before travelling, rather than relying on this or any single report.

Traveller tips

• If flying an Indian carrier westbound to Europe, the UK or North America, check your specific flight's routing and duration at booking and again closer to departure.
• Longer routings can mean tighter connections; build in extra buffer time for onward flights at a stopover.
• Airlines not based in India or Pakistan are generally unaffected and continue to operate their usual routings.
• Confirm the latest status directly with your airline or a trusted aviation news source before finalising travel plans, since extensions have so far been issued roughly monthly.