India and Pakistan extend airspace restriction until Oct 24 for sixth month

India has extended its ban on Pakistani airlines and aircraft from entering Indian airspace until the early hours of October 24, aviation authorities said in a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), Indian Express reported.

The move came just days after Pakistan prolonged its own airspace closure for Indian carriers by a similar period. With the latest extensions, the reciprocal restrictions are set to continue into their sixth month.

The restriction, first imposed on April 30 following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22, was initially meant to last a month, but has since been extended multiple times. In a reciprocal move, Pakistan has also prolonged its airspace ban for Indian aircraft until the same date. Indian carriers will not be permitted to overfly Pakistan.

NOTAMs are notices used in global aviation to alert pilots and airlines about critical changes or restrictions that may affect flight operations.

The prolonged airspace closure has increased flying times and fuel costs for Indian carriers flying internationally.

Airlines are forced to take longer alternate routes, adding anywhere between 30 minutes to over two hours on certain international sectors, particularly for long-haul flights from Delhi to Europe, the Middle East and North America.