Closure of Pakistan’s Airspace Costs Indian Airlines More Than $2 Billion

KARACHI: The closure of Pakistani airspace has severely affected five major Indian airlines, with the carriers suffering losses of more than $2 billion, according to data from the Pakistan Airports Authority and World Flight Information.

The affected airlines include Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet. Around 800 Indian flights are reportedly being affected every week due to the closure of Pakistani airspace.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has been among the worst affected, with around 640 flights impacted every week. Flights operating from Delhi to the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Türkiye and Kazakhstan have also been affected.

With Pakistani airspace unavailable, Indian airlines have been forced to operate on longer alternative routes, increasing flight times by one to three hours.

The airlines are also facing additional expenses related to refuelling, landing, take-off and parking charges. Longer routes have further increased crew requirements and other operational costs.

Indian airlines are also facing difficulties using Iranian and Gulf air routes. Tensions between Iran and the United States, along with the prevailing situation in the Middle East, have added to the challenges facing Indian carriers.

Indian airlines are expected to suffer an additional loss of around $600 million this year. Indian rating agency ICRA has also warned of further financial losses for the country’s airlines.

Continued airspace restrictions have put additional pressure on the operations of Indian carriers, while longer flight paths and rising operational costs have created significant financial challenges for the airlines.

Pakistani airlines have been comparatively less affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace, as only a limited number of Pakistani flights that previously used Indian airspace have been diverted to alternative routes.

According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority, the decision to maintain the airspace restrictions on Indian airlines has been extended until September 2026.

Indian military and cargo aircraft are also prohibited from using Pakistani airspace. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority remains in effect regarding the restrictions on Indian aircraft.