India Extends Airspace Ban on Pakistani Aircraft Until August 23 Amid Deepening Diplomatic Rift

India has officially extended its airspace closure for Pakistani-registered aircraft, including commercial, military, and chartered flights, until 23:59 UTC on August 23, 2025. The extension was formalized through a renewed NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), issued by Indian aviation authorities in what is widely seen as a continuation of New Delhi’s strong diplomatic and military posturing following the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed the decision, describing it as a necessary national security measure during an ongoing period of heightened bilateral tension.

Initially, the ban was to end on May 24 and the same was extended first till June 24 and then till July 24.(Pexels/Representative) | Hindustan Times

The Origins: A Fallout of the Pahalgam Attack

The roots of the airspace conflict can be traced back to April 22, 2025, when a devastating terror attack struck a tourist convoy in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people—mostly Indian civilians. In the immediate aftermath, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-administered territories. These military responses were coupled with non-military retaliatory steps, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, scaling down of diplomatic relations, and the enforcement of strict airspace restrictions on Pakistani carriers.

A Reciprocal Ban: Pakistan Mirrors India’s Move

In a tit-for-tat reaction, Pakistan issued its own NOTAM barring Indian aircraft from entering its airspace until 05:19 IST on August 24, 2025. The simultaneous restrictions have resulted in a near-total closure of air corridors between the two nations. This marks one of the most prolonged airspace standoffs since the post-Balakot crisis of 2019, reflecting how geopolitical frictions are now spilling over into aviation and trade sectors.

Airlines Under Pressure: Flight Operations and Rising Costs

The continued ban has severely disrupted international flight routes for Indian carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, all of which regularly used Pakistani airspace for west-bound journeys. Flights bound for destinations in Europe, North America, and Central Asia are now forced to take longer alternative routes via the Arabian Sea, Iran, and Central Asian nations. According to industry insiders, this diversion has led to increased fuel consumption, extended flight durations, and elevated crew costs.

Air India, in particular, is expected to face additional annual costs nearing $600 million, while IndiGo has reportedly suspended operations to cities like Almaty and Tashkent due to untenable route lengths and scheduling conflicts. The airline industry has had to adapt quickly by reorganizing flight schedules, limiting cargo loads, and recalculating passenger fares. As a result, air travelers have begun experiencing longer journeys and higher ticket prices across several west-bound routes.

Economic Implications for Both Nations

Beyond aviation, the airspace standoff is also generating economic aftershocks on both sides. Pakistan, which earns a significant sum from overflight fees paid by international carriers, is witnessing a drop in revenue as global airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and others reroute to avoid its airspace. Additionally, cargo movement—especially time-sensitive exports like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables—has slowed down considerably due to delays in freight flights and lack of viable alternatives.

On the Indian side, industries dependent on just-in-time supply chains have reported moderate logistical disruptions, although some of the burden has been shifted to maritime routes. The Indian government, meanwhile, has stated it is actively reviewing the economic impact of the airspace closure, particularly concerning air freight costs and aviation fuel consumption.

Diplomatic Gridlock and Strategic Stalemate

The extension of these mutual restrictions underscores the deepening political and diplomatic rift between the two countries. Analysts suggest that neither side is currently in a position to de-escalate without appearing politically weak. This deadlock is also impacting backchannel negotiations on broader issues like water-sharing agreements, consular exchanges, and regional connectivity initiatives.

Aviation experts warn that if the current restrictions extend beyond the August deadline, the long-term costs to the airline industry—particularly for state-run carriers like Air India—could be substantial. Furthermore, the region’s reputation as an aviation transit hub may suffer if carriers continue to perceive South Asia as unstable and unpredictable.

Conclusion: A Conflict Carried to the Skies

India’s decision to extend the airspace ban until August 23 signals more than a reaction to terrorism—it represents a complex entanglement of national security, diplomatic strategy, and economic retaliation. With both nations locked in a spiraling contest of reciprocal measures, civil aviation has become the latest frontier in a long-standing geopolitical struggle. Unless meaningful dialogue resumes soon, the skies between India and Pakistan may remain closed for far longer, with significant ramifications not just for bilateral ties, but for the broader regional economy and global air travel patterns.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Money Control, Indian Express)