Pakistan is likely to extend its airspace closure to Indian aircraft for another month, according to reports. Pakistan initially restricted Indian flights last month following India’s punitive measures in response to the 22 April Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The current airspace restriction is due to expire on 23 May, as ICAO regulations limit such bans to one-month periods. According to Pakistan’s Geo News report, an extension announcement is expected by Thursday, with an official NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to follow.
This escalation stems from heightened bilateral tensions after India’s “Operation Sindoor” strikes on 7 May against terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes were conducted in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam attack on 22 April that killed 26 people.
Indian military officials state that Pakistan requested a cessation of military activities after India targeted eight Pakistani military installations on 10 May. This was in response to Pakistan’s attempted strikes on Indian military bases.
Similar airspace closures occurred during previous conflicts, including the 1999 Kargil War and following the 2019 Pulwama incident.
