Airspace Closure Between India and Pakistan Extended to September 24

India has again extended the closure of its airspace for Pakistani aircraft until September 24. Pakistan has likewise extended the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft until 24 September.

Both countries have issued separate Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) extending the airspace closures. Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22, India closed its airspace to aircraft operated, owned or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators, including military flights, with effect from April 30. Since then, the closure has been extended by India.

The NOTAM issued on August 22 states that Indian airspace will not be available for Pakistani-registered aircraft and for aircraft operated, owned or leased by Pakistani airlines/operators, including military flights.

The airspace will remain closed until 2359 hrs (UTC) on September 23, with the period of closure having been extended since it began. The restriction, part of a series of measures taken by the Indian government in response to the Pahalgam attack, was initially until 24 May and has since been extended each month.

The curbs, which were originally due to run until August 2024, have now been extended to September 24.

Pakistan also issued a NOTAM on August 20 extending the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft. Generally, a NOTAM is a notice containing information essential for personnel involved in flight operations.