Pakistan extends ban on Indian aircraft use of airspace until Feb 24

Pakistan on Tuesday extended restrictions on Indian aircraft using its airspace for a further month, maintaining a ban that applies to all Indian civilian and military flights.

In a fresh Notice to Airmen, the Pakistan Aviation Authority said the country’s airspace will remain closed until February 24 to all aircraft registered in India, including those owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines. Indian military flights also remain barred under the directive.

The restriction, which is already in effect, was previously extended until January 23 and has now been rolled over for another month, the PAA said.

The airspace closure was first imposed following a flare-up between the two nuclear-armed neighbours earlier this year. While a ceasefire was later reached through United States mediation, the aviation restrictions have continued despite diplomatic backchannel contacts.

The continued ban has significantly disrupted Indian airline operations, forcing carriers to reroute flights bound for the Middle East, Europe and the United States via longer corridors.

The impact has been most pronounced for Air India, which has been lobbying the Indian government to seek access to sensitive military airspace over China’s Xinjiang region to reduce flight times and fuel burn.

According to airline estimates, the extended detours have increased fuel costs by up to 29 percent and added as much as three hours to long-haul journeys.

Air India has estimated that the airspace closure has reduced its annual profit before tax by $455 million, exceeding its projected fiscal 2024–25 loss of $439 million. The airline has sought temporary government support to offset weekly losses estimated at $1.13 million until Pakistan reopens its airspace.