In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India has officially shut its airspace to all Pakistan flights, including commercial carriers like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Pakistani military aircraft. The ban, effective from May 1, is expected to disrupt at least six weekly PIA international flights significantly, aviation analytics firm Cirium confirmed.
The closure, formalized via a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the Airports Authority of India, restricts Pakistani operators and any aircraft leased or owned by Pakistan from using Indian airspace.
Impact on PIA Operations
The immediate consequence is the disruption of two key PIA routes—Islamabad to Kuala Lumpur and Lahore to Kuala Lumpur. Currently, the airline operates four weekly flights from Islamabad and two from Lahore on these sectors. Due to the Indian airspace ban, PIA is now diverting these flights through longer alternative routes via China, Laos, and Thailand, increasing flight time and fuel costs.
Aviation experts say this diversion is logistically burdensome, especially for narrow-body aircraft that PIA uses on these routes. These aircraft, with limited fuel capacity compared to wide-body jets, now face increased operational stress.
Background: A Chain Reaction
India’s move comes in response to Pakistan’s earlier decision on April 24 to bar Indian carriers from its airspace, an action prompted by the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. Within days of that attack, Pakistan had also ramped up ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), further exacerbating tensions.
India’s retaliatory step not only mirrors Pakistan’s action but also amplifies the strategic and economic costs for both countries’ aviation sectors.
Broader Aviation Repercussions
PIA isn’t the only affected airline. Indian carriers that relied on Pakistani airspace for cost-effective and time-efficient international operations are now facing similar detours. Indigo, India’s largest airline by market share, recently suspended its routes to Tashkent and Almaty, citing rerouting difficulties.
The carrier has also acknowledged that nearly 50 of its weekly international services will now require significant route changes, likely impacting flight schedules and increasing fuel expenses.
Air India, which currently operates about 1,188 weekly international flights, has seen sharp growth since April 2019. The airline’s routes to Europe and North America many of which traditionally passed over Pakistani airspace will now be re-evaluated. Its low-cost arm, Air India Express, has also expanded significantly, now operating over 950 weekly international flights.
Economic Toll
Industry insiders suggest that the dual airspace closures could cost Indian airlines crores in added operational costs. These costs stem from extended flight paths, higher fuel burn, longer crew duty hours, and potential schedule disruptions.
Cirium data indicates that PIA operates approximately 308 international flights weekly, of which 80% are within West Asia and do not rely on Indian airspace. However, the Kuala Lumpur-bound flights now stand as logistical headaches.
Geopolitical Overhang
The airspace closure adds another dimension to the growing regional strain. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate, following separate calls with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
As diplomatic channels remain active but tense, aviation passengers and operators bear the brunt of geopolitical fallout a reminder that skies, while open, remain politically sensitive.
Also Read: Pakistan Closes Airspace for Indian Flights, Routes Affected
