India has extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace until August 23, 2025, amid ongoing security concerns and an upcoming Indian Air Force (IAF) military exercise near the India-Pakistan border. The update was confirmed by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who announced the continued restriction through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), citing strategic considerations aligned with national security protocols.
This extension comes in direct response to Pakistan’s earlier decision to bar Indian flights from its own airspace. According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, their closure will remain in effect until August 24 at 5:19 a.m. IST, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic strain between the two neighboring nations.
The situation has intensified further as the IAF prepares for a large-scale military exercise scheduled from July 23 to 25 across Rajasthan’s Barmer, Jodhpur, and surrounding border districts. This drill follows a series of Pakistani drone and missile intrusions during Operation Sindoor, when several districts in Rajasthan were targeted. Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7 in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
The NOTAM issued for the exercise ensures civilian air traffic is kept clear of the designated military zone, a precautionary measure aimed at avoiding any commercial aviation risk during potential aerial operations. Similar NOTAMs have been issued in the past during periods of heightened tension between India and Pakistan to safeguard civilian lives.
As military readiness escalates and diplomatic ties remain strained, the airspace restrictions and ongoing drills signal a firm stance from both nations, with no clear timeline for de-escalation.
