India extends ban on Pakistani aircraft till August 23

India has extended the ongoing ban on Pakistani aircraft from entering its domestic airspace till August 23, 2025, in what officials say is a move driven by "continued strategic considerations" and prevailing security protocols.

The latest NOTAM curbing civilian air traffic has been issued against the backdrop of heightened tensions at the India–Pakistan border, triggered by recent drone and missile incursions from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The attacks had focused on several border regions in Rajasthan, including Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7 as a counter-response to a brutal terror strike in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians lost their lives in an assault believed to have been carried out by Pakistan-sponsored militants.

The latest decision, formalised through a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), was announced by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Tuesday late evening. Posting on X, the minister wrote: "Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace has been officially extended until 23rd August 2025."

"This extension reflects continued strategic considerations and is in line with prevailing security protocols. Stay tuned for further updates," he added.