New Delhi: Indian carriers Air India and IndiGo are facing increased fuel costs, longer flight times, and logistical disruptions after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian commercial aircraft amid rising tensions following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The move came days after gunmen killed 26 people in a meadow in the Pahalgam area of Kashmir. India has linked the incident to Pakistani elements, an allegation Pakistan has strongly denied.
In retaliation, both nuclear-armed nations have initiated countermeasures, with India suspending a crucial river water-sharing treaty and Pakistan responding by barring Indian airlines from using its airspace.
International airlines, however, remain unaffected by the closure. The effects of the airspace closure became immediately visible on Thursday night. Air India and IndiGo began diverting international flights bound for New York, Baku, and Dubai -all of which would typically transit through Pakistani airspace.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the busiest in the world and a major international hub is expected to be hardest hit. Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo operate a combined 1,200 international flights from Delhi to Europe, the Middle East, and North America in April alone.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
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 regrets the inconvenience caused…
— Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025
The detours are proving expensive. Aviation experts say longer routes add significant fuel costs, aviation fuel typically accounts for 30 percent of an airline’s operating expenses, while also reducing the amount of cargo that can be carried due to the need for additional fuel.
The operational impact extends beyond just flight time. Indian airline pilots and crew schedulers are being forced to recalculate duty hours and adjust rosters to remain compliant with aviation safety regulations.
This is not the first time Pakistan has imposed such a ban. In 2019, amid similar tensions between the neighboring countries, Pakistani airspace remained closed for nearly five months.
India’s government later estimated a combined financial hit of at least $64 million to Air India, IndiGo, and other domestic airlines during that period. Pakistan has said that the current ban will remain in place until May 23.
