India Extends Airspace Ban On Pakistani Aircraft Till August 23 Amid Security Concerns

<p>India has once again extended its restrictions on Pakistani aircraft entering Indian airspace, with the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) now valid until 23 August 2025. The decision, according to Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, is aligned with ongoing strategic priorities and national security considerations.</p>
<p>Airspace Ban Follows Pahalgam Terror Attack</p>
<p>The closure, which applies to all aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Pakistani carriers&mdash;including military aircraft&mdash;was first implemented on 30 April 2025. It was among several retaliatory actions taken by the Indian government in response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed.</p>
<p>The aftermath of the attack also saw India suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, shut down the land border crossing at Attari, and scale down diplomatic engagement with Islamabad.</p>
<h3><strong>Series of Extensions Since May</strong></h3>
<p>The initial NOTAM was issued for the period between 1 May and 23 May 2025. Since then, it has been extended multiple times. A fresh NOTAM was issued on 23 June, further prolonging the restrictions till 24 July. This latest move marks the second extension, as India continues to maintain a firm stance on aviation ties with Pakistan.</p>
<p>On 23 May, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu had stated that the government was continuing with the existing measures. &ldquo;The NOTAM has been extended. We have maintained the status quo&hellip;&rdquo; he had told reporters at the time.</p>
<h3><strong>Ministry Confirms Continued Measures</strong></h3>
<p>Confirming the latest extension, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the restrictions are a result of &ldquo;prevailing security protocols&rdquo; and are in line with &ldquo;continued strategic considerations.&rdquo; Further updates on the matter are expected in the coming weeks.</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s restrictions apply not only to commercial flights but also to any aircraft registered in Pakistan or affiliated with its military and private operators.</p>
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”>
<p dir=”ltr” lang=”en”>Update on Airspace Restriction<br /><br />The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace has been officially extended until 23rd August 2025.<br /><br />This extension reflects continued strategic considerations and is in line with prevailing security&hellip;</p>
&mdash; Murlidhar Mohol (@mohol_murlidhar) <a href=”https://twitter.com/mohol_murlidhar/status/1947712304973549853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<p>The NOTAM updates are closely watched by aviation authorities and airlines in the region, as the restriction has had implications on flight routes and scheduling for Pakistan-based operators.</p>