ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan has extended a ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace for another month, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority announced on Friday, prolonging disruptions to regional and international travel amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The ban, which was initially imposed on April 24, follows the worst outbreak of violence between India and Pakistan in decades.
Over 70 people were killed in four days of missile, drone, and artillery strikes before a ceasefire was declared on May 10.
“No flight operated by Indian airlines or operators will be allowed to use Pakistani airspace,” said the Civil Aviation Authority, adding that the restrictions will remain in place until the early hours of June 24. The ban also applies to Indian military aircraft.
India had imposed reciprocal restrictions, with its own ban on Pakistani flights set to expire on June 23.
The renewed hostilities were triggered by a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants.
Islamabad has denied the accusation and called for an independent investigation.
The contested Himalayan region of Kashmir, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, has been the flashpoint of multiple wars and countless skirmishes since the two countries gained independence from Britain in 1947.
The airspace closures have already begun to impact international travel.
Flights between India and destinations in Central Asia, Europe, and North America are being rerouted, adding up to two hours of extra flying time — and potentially driving up ticket prices.
The last time Pakistan closed its airspace in 2019, after Indian airstrikes in response to another Kashmir-linked attack, Indian airlines reported financial losses amounting to nearly 5.5 billion rupees ($64.3 million), according to Indian government data.
