India extends airspace closure for Pakistani aircrafts until Aug 23

New Delhi, July 23: Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the Indian government has officially extended the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), preventing Pakistani civil aircraft from entering Indian airspace until August 23.

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Taking to his official ‘X’ handle, Mohol wrote, "This extension reflects continued strategic considerations and is in line with prevailing security protocols. Stay tuned for further updates.”

It is worth noting that the previous NOTAM was set to expire on July 24 (Thursday). Earlier, on June 24, the ministry had announced a one-month extension, continuing the restriction on Pakistani aircraft entering Indian airspace. 

The initial NOTAM issued by India was valid from May 1 to May 23.

According to the NOTAM, Pakistan-registered aircraft, as well as planes owned, operated, or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators (including military flights), will not be allowed to use Indian airspace.

The restrictions on Pakistani aircraft were first introduced during Operation Sindoor, following rising tensions between the two countries after the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22. The attack killed 26 people, including one foreign national.

The government is set to hold a 16-hour discussion on Operation Sindoor next week during the monsoon Parliament session, according to sources. 

Opposition parties have been calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be present during the debate on Operation Sindoor. 

According to sources, since PM Modi will be on a two-nation tour to the UK and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26, the discussion is expected to happen next week.