January 16, 2026
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Published by Aeyan Raza
December 17, 2025
Islamabad: Pakistan has once again extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace, keeping the restriction in place until January 23, 2026, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The decision was announced by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) through a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), issued with federal government approval.
Under the latest notification, all India-registered aircraft both civilian and military remain prohibited from transiting Pakistani airspace. The ban was first imposed on April 23, 2025, and has since been reviewed and extended on a monthly basis.
The continued closure has created serious operational challenges for Indian airlines, especially Air India, which operates several long-haul international routes to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
With Pakistan’s airspace unavailable, these flights are being forced to take longer alternative routes, resulting in:
1.Higher fuel consumption
2.Increased operational costs
3.Longer flight durations for passengers
International aviation analysts say these detours are adding financial pressure to airlines already facing rising fuel prices and restructuring costs.
According to reports, Air India has approached the Indian government to explore alternative routing options, including the possible use of Chinese airspace, to reduce losses caused by extended flight paths. The issue has gained attention across India’s aviation sector, as prolonged detours continue to strain airline finances.
So far, no official decision has been announced by New Delhi on alternative routing requests.
Pakistan has not indicated when the airspace ban might be lifted. Officials say the restriction will remain in effect unless a new NOTAM is issued, signaling any policy change.
The move reflects ongoing regional tensions and underscores how geopolitical decisions continue to impact commercial aviation, trade, and passenger travel across South Asia.
