Airspace Restriction Extends Modi’s Flight

A special aircraft carrying Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from New Delhi to Tashkent was unable to use the direct route due to restrictions in Pakistani airspace. The aircraft reportedly reached Uzbekistan via Chinese airspace after a flight of around 8.5 hours. Scheduled flights between New Delhi and Tashkent normally take about three hours.

Under a NOTAM issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority, the country’s airspace remains closed until September 24 to Indian-registered civil and military aircraft, as well as aircraft operated or leased by Indian companies. The restriction, in place since April 2025, has increased flight times and fuel costs on some international services operated by Indian airlines.