New Delhi, July 23: The Indian government has extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft using Indian airspace until August 23, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed on Tuesday.
The extended Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) continues restrictions first imposed in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, including one foreign national. The airspace ban applies to Pakistan-registered aircraft, including those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and military, and reflects “continued strategic considerations,” according to Minister Mohol.
The airspace was initially closed from May 1 to May 23, and has since been extended twice—first until July 24, and now until August 23.
The move is part of India’s wider retaliatory response following the April massacre, which included the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari border, and downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
India also launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure across the border. A 16-hour debate on Operation Sindoor is expected in Parliament next week during the Monsoon Session, once consensus is reached.
Meanwhile, the Opposition continues to demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence during the discussion. However, PM Modi is scheduled to be abroad from July 23–26, visiting the UK and the Maldives, making the debate likely to be held the following week.
