New Delhi l
Passengers flying westward from India may soon face longer travel times and higher airfares, as Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian carriers. Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, are now forced to reroute their international flights, leading to significant operational challenges.
The closure, effective immediately, is impacting west-bound flights from northern Indian cities, particularly Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Flights are now being diverted via Gujarat or Maharashtra, extending flight durations by up to 90 minutes in some cases. This has resulted in higher fuel consumption, increased costs, and disruptions in scheduling.
Flight Delays, Cancellations Begin
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has already issued advisories to passengers. Flights from Delhi to Baku and Tbilisi on Thursday evening reported delays of nearly 90 minutes, while the Delhi-Almaty service was cancelled entirely.
Other international routes to Europe, Central Asia, the UK, and North America are experiencing average delays of 70–80 minutes.
Air India, which operates India’s only ultra-long-haul flights, confirmed that it is adjusting flight paths to North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
“Due to the announced restrictions of Pakistan airspace for Indian airlines, several Air India flights will now operate on extended routes,”
the airline said in a statement, apologizing for the inconvenience caused and offering flexible rebooking options.
Rising Costs and Competitive Pressure
While airlines have not yet released estimates of financial losses, industry experts warn of a steep rise in operational costs. During a similar airspace closure following the 2019 Balakot air strikes, Indian carriers collectively incurred losses amounting to nearly ₹700 crore.
Moreover, foreign airlines that continue to have access to Pakistan’s airspace may gain a competitive advantage by offering faster and cheaper connections, intensifying the pressure on Indian carriers.
Airlines Most Affected:
Air India: Europe, North America, Middle East routes
IndiGo: Turkey, Central Asia, Caucasus destinations
SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Air India Express: Mainly West Asian routes
Several flights departing from Delhi and other key northern airports are now forced to take longer, circuitous routes. Some may even require additional fuel stops—similar to adjustments seen in 2019, when Delhi-Chicago flights had to halt in Europe and Delhi-Istanbul flights made stopovers in Doha.
Political Tensions Escalate
The decision to close airspace follows a high-level security meeting chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It is widely viewed as a response to India’s recent moves, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty and downgrading diplomatic relations after the Pahalgam terror attack.
What Lies Ahead
Airlines are expected to recalibrate operations, including adjusting fuel plans, crew rotations, and aircraft deployments, to minimize disruptions.
Passengers are advised to stay updated through airline websites and official channels for the latest information on flight status and travel advisories.
As the situation evolves, travelers should prepare for a period of uncertainty in international air travel from India.
Airlines are expected to recalibrate operations, including adjusting fuel plans, crew rotations, and aircraft deployments, to minimize disruptions.
Passengers are advised to stay updated through airline websites and official channels for the latest information on flight status and travel advisories.
As the situation evolves, travelers should prepare for a period of uncertainty in international air travel from India.
