Closure of Pakistani Airspace Forces Indian Airlines to Ground Airbus A320 Aircraft

New Delhi/Karachi: The closure of Pakistani airspace has compelled Indian airlines to ground several Airbus A320 aircraft due to technical and operational constraints. Sources reveal that the rerouting of key flight paths has significantly increased both the duration and cost of international flights, especially to destinations like Tehran, Moscow, and Kabul.
Routes such as Delhi to Kabul, which were previously short and direct, now require extensive detours. Similarly, Airbus A320 aircraft operating on routes like Delhi to Tashkent and Almaty are facing challenges due to extended flight times and higher fuel costs.
Before the airspace restrictions, non-stop flights from Delhi to Istanbul were feasible. However, these flights now require refueling stops in Doha or Ahmedabad, adding logistical complications and expenses.
Industry insiders indicate that these prolonged flight paths and increased costs are forcing Indian airlines to reconsider their current fleet deployment strategies and international schedules.