In a move that is expected to significantly disrupt international air travel from India, Pakistan on Thursday, April 24, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, escalating diplomatic tensions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Industry experts say this sudden restriction will have far-reaching implications on flight durations, fuel costs, and potentially even airfares, especially for routes connecting India to Central Asia, West Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.
Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo have already confirmed operational changes, with several of their international flights now being rerouted over the Arabian Sea — a longer path that could add up to 2 to 2.5 hours of flying time for some destinations.
"Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route," Air India posted on X (formerly Twitter). The national carrier also expressed regret over the disruption, stating that passenger safety remains its top priority.
IndiGo, India's largest airline by market share, also took to X to confirm that some of its international flights are being affected by the closure. "We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest," the airline said, urging passengers to check flight statuses and consider flexible rebooking or refunds.
The most affected flights are those departing from or arriving at airports in northern India — including Delhi, Lucknow, and Amritsar — which traditionally rely on Pakistani airspace for the shortest path to the West. These flights will now likely have to detour southward over Gujarat or Maharashtra before heading westward, leading to longer flying times, increased fuel consumption, and scheduling complications.
Although airlines have not yet officially commented on the financial implications, industry analysts point out that a similar closure in 2019 — following the Balakot airstrikes — cost Indian airlines nearly ₹700 crore in additional fuel expenses alone.
"Pakistan’s airspace is critical to the region, especially for Indian airlines operating long-haul flights," said an industry source. "Even a few extra hours in the air adds significant operational costs and could eventually translate into higher ticket prices for passengers."
Airlines are currently assessing the full impact of the closure. “There is no official comment yet on fare revisions, but if the closure is prolonged, fare corrections may be inevitable,” said an aviation industry insider.
With IANS inputs.