ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) has extended restrictions on Indian aircraft using its airspace until April 24, according to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Wednesday.

The authority said Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to all aircraft registered in India. The restriction also applies to planes operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines or operators, including military flights, the Notam added.

The ban covers both of Pakistan’s Flight Information Regions (FIRs), Karachi FIR (OPKR) and Lahore FIR (OPLR), as outlined in documentation by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.

The latest NOTAM was issued just days before the previous restriction was set to expire on March 23.

Pakistan first imposed the airspace restriction in April amid heightened tensions with India and has since extended it multiple times.

The latest escalation followed an April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people, most of them tourists.

The continued airspace ban has resulted in significant financial losses for Indian airlines, which are being forced to take longer alternative routes.

These diversions have increased flight times and fuel costs for services between India and destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Pakistan air space

Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft till April 24