Pakistan Extends Airspace Closure for India Until March 23, 2026

Karachi, February 19, 2026 – Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft for another month, marking nearly 10 months of restrictions.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (Notam), confirming that Indian-registered military and civil aircraft will not be allowed to transit through Pakistan’s airspace until March 23, 2026.

Pakistan initially closed its airspace for Indian airlines on April 23, 2025, following New Delhi’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty amid heightened bilateral tensions after the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In retaliation, India also restricted Pakistani aircraft from its airspace starting April 30, 2025.

During May 6–7, 2025, India reportedly launched attacks on multiple Pakistani cities. In response, Pakistan’s armed forces conducted a retaliatory military operation, named Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting several Indian military positions.

As a result, Pakistan claims to have downed seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and neutralized several drones. After 87 hours of conflict, both nations agreed to a ceasefire, brokered by the United States on May 10, 2025.

While India’s aviation sector experienced significant disruptions and financial losses, the effect on Pakistani aviation has been minimal.

Historically, Pakistan has also imposed similar airspace restrictions during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Pulwama crisis, both instances in which Indian airlines faced greater operational disruptions.

Pakistan’s extended closure reflects ongoing strategic and diplomatic tensions with India and remains in effect until March 23, 2026.