India-Pakistan Airspace Closure Extended: Aviation Industry Braces for Prolonged Turbulence

India has formally extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft, covering commercial, leased, and military flights, until September 24, 2025. The announcement was made through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on August 22, stating the restriction would remain in effect until 23:59 UTC on September 23, which is 5:29 am IST on September 24. Pakistan responded with its own reciprocal NOTAM on August 20, extending its prohibition on Indian-registered flights over its airspace for the same period.

This continuation marks the fifth consecutive month of mutual restrictions since April 30, when the bans were first imposed in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. What began as an immediate retaliatory measure has since evolved into one of the most enduring airspace stand-offs between the two countries in recent years.

This comes after Islamabad extended till September 24 the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft.(Representative) | Hindustan Times

Impact on Airlines and Passengers

The closure has significantly disrupted international operations for Indian carriers, particularly Air India and IndiGo, whose westbound flights now require longer, fuel-intensive detours. Routes from Delhi and other northern airports to destinations in Europe, West Asia, and North America have been especially affected.

Flights that once passed smoothly over Pakistani skies are now diverted through Central Asian corridors or via the Middle East. These re-routings add anywhere from one to several hours of extra flying time. In some cases, passengers have faced delays of up to ten hours. At the start of the closure, several Air India flights bound for Toronto and San Francisco had to be diverted mid-air, landing in Copenhagen or Abu Dhabi before reaching their final destinations.

Airlines are not just battling longer flight schedules but also higher operational costs. Air India has already suspended its direct Delhi–Washington D.C. service from September, citing both the closure and ongoing aircraft shortages due to Boeing 787 upgrades. Travelers on this route are now being rerouted via New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Mounting Financial Strain

The financial toll on airlines has been staggering. Air India alone has projected that if the ban continues for a year, it could cost the airline nearly $600 million, prompting its management to request government subsidies to cushion the losses. Industry experts estimate that Indian carriers together may lose as much as ₹7,000 crore annually from this closure.

These figures recall the 2019 India-Pakistan airspace closure, which inflicted losses of around ₹700 crore on Indian airlines. But the current standoff, lasting far longer and impacting more critical routes, is already surpassing that earlier crisis in terms of economic damage.

Pakistan’s Losses

While Indian airlines are grappling with spiraling costs, Pakistan’s aviation sector has also been hit. By denying Indian carriers access to its skies, Pakistan has lost substantial revenue from overflight charges. Reports indicate that the country has forfeited more than ₹123 crore in just two months, reflecting how the political decision is also straining its own fragile economy.

A Broader Diplomatic Freeze

The airspace restrictions are only one dimension of the broader strain in India-Pakistan relations. The closure is part of a wider retaliatory framework following the April terror attack, which has also seen visa suspensions, water treaty disputes, and diplomatic hostilities. Aviation, however, has become one of the most visible casualties, as disruptions directly impact thousands of passengers daily and significantly raise operational challenges for airlines.

Conclusion

The extension of the India-Pakistan airspace ban into September underscores the persistence of political tensions and the lack of diplomatic resolution. For airlines, the situation translates into longer flight times, increased fuel costs, and heavy financial burdens. For passengers, it means enduring delays, diversions, and reduced connectivity.

While both nations are bearing economic losses, neither side has shown willingness to de-escalate. Unless the bans are lifted, airlines will continue to navigate uncertain skies, and passengers will remain caught in the crossfire of geopolitical rivalry. What remains clear is that the longer this closure lasts, the deeper its impact will be on the aviation industry and regional connectivity.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Financial Express, Indian Express)