India-Pakistan Extend Airspace Closure Until September 24th. NOTAM issued, all airlines and pilots notified. Restrictions extended due to security reasons; both countries maintain control over their airspace.
Airspace Update: India has decided to keep its airspace closed to Pakistani aircraft until September 24th. Concurrently, Pakistan has also extended the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft until September 24th. Both countries have issued NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) informing all airlines and pilots about the restrictions.
Origin and Reason for the Restrictions
These restrictions were initially imposed following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. Consequently, India closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan, airline operators, and leased aircraft flying to Pakistan, starting from April 30th. This included military flights as well.
Sequence of Restriction Extensions
Initially, the restrictions were set to last until May 24th. Subsequently, India repeatedly extended them. According to the NOTAM issued on August 22nd, the restrictions will remain in effect until September 23rd at 23:59 UTC, which translates to September 24th at 05:30 IST. During this period, Pakistani aircraft cannot fly over India, and Indian aircraft cannot fly over Pakistan.
Pakistan Also Extends Its Period
Following India's extension of the restrictions, Pakistan issued a NOTAM on August 20th extending the closure period of its airspace to Indian aircraft. NOTAMs contain all instructions related to flight operations, which pilots and airline operators are required to follow.
