Pakistan has decided to extend the closure of its airspace for Indian civilian and military aircraft until January 23, 2026. The decision was announced through a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority. Officials said the move came after a routine review of the regional security situation.
The airspace restriction was first imposed on April 23, 2025. Since then, all Indian passenger and military flights have been barred from flying over Pakistan. Authorities confirmed that the ban will remain in place until further notice, depending on future security assessments.
This extended closure has created major challenges for Indian airlines. Because they cannot use Pakistani airspace, flights now have to take longer routes. These detours mean more fuel use, longer travel times, and higher operating costs. Industry estimates suggest that Indian carriers have already lost billions of rupees since the ban began, mainly due to extra fuel and logistical expenses.
The financial pressure has pushed airlines to look for alternative solutions. Earlier reports revealed that Air India had approached the Indian government to explore the option of flying through a sensitive military airspace corridor over China’s Xinjiang region. The goal was to shorten routes and reduce losses caused by avoiding Pakistan’s airspace.
This request came at a time when India and China resumed direct flights after a five-year break. Those flights were earlier suspended following a deadly border clash in the Himalayan region. The reopening of air links raised hopes for more route options, but using military airspace would still require special permissions.
For now, Pakistan’s decision means Indian airlines must continue operating longer paths. The situation highlights how regional tensions can strongly affect air travel, costs, and airline planning. Passengers may also face longer flight times until the restriction is lifted or an alternative route is approved.