Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban for Indian Flights by Another Month

Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions for Indian flights by another month, according to a media report published on Wednesday. The move reportedly comes in response to ongoing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

The initial airspace ban was imposed last month following retaliatory actions by India after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. In response, Pakistan barred Indian aircraft from entering its airspace.

Under international civil aviation norms, such airspace restrictions cannot be imposed for more than a month at a time. As a result, the current ban is valid until May 23. However, citing sources from Geo News, the report indicated that Pakistan has decided to extend the ban for an additional month. The official notification, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), is expected to be issued on Wednesday or Thursday.

In retaliation to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Army launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Subsequently, tensions between the two countries escalated further. On May 10, India reportedly conducted strikes on Pakistani military positions, prompting Pakistan to request a halt to military actions.