In a move that has sent ripples through India’s aviation industry, Pakistan closes airspace officially to Indian carriers. The ruling on Thursday has compelled big carriers such as Air India and IndiGo to divert their international flights, resulting in longer flying times, operational expenses, and possibly higher customer fares.
Flight Routes Disrupted
The immediate impact of Pakistan’s decision is felt across northern Indian airports, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Varanasi. Flights departing from these airports to destinations in Western Asia, Europe, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom are among the worst affected.
With Pakistani airspace now off-limits, airlines are compelled to take longer detours, most commonly over the Arabian Sea, adding 30 to 60 minutes to flight durations. This not only disrupts scheduling but also strains airline logistics.
Financial Burden on Airlines and Travelers
Industry participants point out that longer flight times require more flight crew arrangements and result in higher fuel consumption. The overall effect is a rise in operating costs, which ought to be represented in the cost of the tickets that travelers purchase.
As a result, travelers on impacted routes are likely to face inflated airfare in the coming days, particularly on long-haul routes.
Strategic Fallout
The timing of Pakistan’s airspace closure follows recent cross-border tensions and security developments, including the Pahalgam terror attack. Though no official linkage has been made between the geopolitical climate and the airspace decision, the move reflects rising strain in bilateral relations.
Air India and IndiGo, which operate several key international connections, are actively coordinating to mitigate disruptions. Alternative flight paths are being adopted on a war footing, though the rerouting also means increased congestion on these air corridors.
Broader Implications
This airspace ban is not a first. Past closures at times of increased tensions have illustrated the importance of the Pakistan air route to India’s westward air connectivity. An extended closure would negatively impact not only passenger traffic, but also cargo operations, tourism revenues, and diplomatic exchange.
To date, there has been no word from Pakistan on how long the airspace will be closed. Indian aviation officials are watching closely, and airlines continue to adjust operating plans in real-time.
Also Read: Pahalgam Attack: 90% Kashmir Bookings Cancelled, Startups Hit
