Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian carriers, significantly impacting international flights from India to various destinations. This closure, which took effect on April 24, 2025, has forced airlines to reroute their flights, resulting in longer travel times and increased operational costs. The move comes in response to escalating tensions between the two countries, particularly following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
As a result of the airspace closure, flights from India to Europe, North America, and parts of Central Asia are expected to take up to two hours longer. Airlines will also need to manage payload restrictions due to the necessity of carrying additional fuel for these extended routes. This situation could lead to higher airfares for travelers, as operational costs rise amid already narrow profit margins for airlines.
Major Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have issued travel advisories to inform passengers of the changes. Air India announced that some flights to and from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East will have to take alternative, extended routes. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, emphasizing that the safety of customers and crew remains their top priority.
IndiGo, which has rapidly expanded its international network in recent years, also acknowledged the impact of the airspace closure. The airline reported that a few of its international flights have been affected, urging passengers to check their flight status and explore rebooking options. Specifically, IndiGo has canceled its flights to Almaty and Tashkent and extended the duration of flights to Baku and Tbilisi by about one-and-a-half hours.
The last time Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers was in February 2019, following the Indian Air Force's airstrikes in Balakot. During that closure, Indian airlines incurred losses estimated at around ₹700 crore due to increased fuel costs and operational challenges. Air India was the worst affected at that time, as it operated more west-bound international flights than any other Indian airline.
Currently, airlines are assessing the financial impact of the airspace closure. Preliminary reports suggest that airfares for international flights with Indian carriers could rise by 8 to 12 percent due to the increased operational costs. Airlines may also need to reduce the number of passengers or cargo to manage payloads effectively, as longer routes require more fuel.
Flight durations have already increased significantly. For instance, the Air India flight from Delhi to New York (AI101) now takes up to two hours longer, while the Mumbai to Toronto route (AI187) has seen similar detours. Other routes, such as Delhi to London (AI111) and Delhi to Paris (AI143), have also experienced increased flight times of about one hour.
In addition to the increased flight durations, airlines are facing challenges with scheduling and operational logistics. Flights from airports in northern India, including Delhi, Lucknow, and Amritsar, will now likely have to take detours over the Arabian Sea and southern Iran before reaching their destinations.
The impact of the airspace closure is not limited to just flight durations. It could also have broader implications for tourism, particularly to emerging destinations in Central Asia that have seen a rise in Indian travelers in recent years. Countries like Azerbaijan and Georgia, which have invested in attracting Indian tourists, may suffer from reduced travel as flight options become limited.
Travel industry analysts warn that if the airspace closure extends beyond the current restrictions, the competitive landscape could shift, potentially favoring Middle Eastern carriers that already dominate global hub-and-spoke travel models. However, if the closure is short-term, the impact on passenger growth and airline operations may be minimal.
Passengers traveling on affected routes are advised to stay updated with their respective airlines for the latest information regarding flight statuses and potential schedule changes. The situation remains fluid, and as airlines navigate the challenges presented by the airspace closure, it is crucial for travelers to remain informed.
In the meantime, the Indian government has also suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals, although medical visas will remain valid until April 29, 2025. This move reflects the heightened tensions between the two nations following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which has led to a massive search operation and increased security measures in the region.
As both nations respond to the escalating situation, there are growing concerns that further measures could lead to an escalation of conflict. The closure of Pakistan's airspace serves as a stark reminder of the fragile relationship between the two countries and the potential for significant repercussions in the aviation sector.
In conclusion, the closure of Pakistan's airspace to Indian carriers is set to have lasting effects on international travel from India, with longer flight times, increased operational costs, and potential fare hikes looming on the horizon. The full impact of this decision will unfold in the coming days as airlines adapt to the new reality of rerouted flights.
