Pakistan has announced the closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines, effective immediately.
This decision, set to last until May 24, 2025, at 0530 hours Indian Standard Time, stems from escalating tensions with India following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April.
The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, prompted India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, close the Wagah border.
It downgraded diplomatic ties, accusing Pakistan of involvement in the attack. Pakistan’s airspace closure is a retaliatory measure, significantly impacting Indian aviation and regional dynamics.
Pakistan Closes Airspace by NOTAM
Pakistan’s National Security Committee made the decision after India’s actions heightened bilateral tensions. The closure, formalized by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority, applies to Indian-registered aircraft, including leased planes and military flights.
This isn’t the first time Pakistan has taken such a step. In 2019, following the Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrikes, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers from February to July.
The airspace closure cost Indian airlines over ₹700 crore. The current closure reflects a similar strategy, in order to exert pressure amid deteriorating relations.
Impact on Indian Airlines
The Pakistan airspace closure forces Indian carriers like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air to reroute flights, primarily over the Arabian Sea. This adds up to two hours for flights to North America and one hour for routes to Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
For instance, flights from Delhi now take longer paths near Mumbai or Ahmedabad before heading west. The extended routes increase fuel consumption, raising operational costs. Experts predict airfare hikes of 8-12% in the short term.
Specific routes have been hit hard. IndiGo canceled flights like Delhi-Tashkent and Delhi-Almaty, while others, such as Sharjah-Amritsar, were rerouted mid-air on 24 April.
Air India has warned of delays for flights to North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. The closure affects 70-100 daily bilateral overflights. This particularly impacts northern cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Goa, and Lucknow. Passengers have been urged to check flight statuses for updates on delays or cancellations.
The Broader Impact of the Closure
The closure arising from the Pahalgam attack gives foreign carriers like Qatar Airways an edge, as they can still use Pakistani airspace, potentially lowering their costs compared to Indian airlines.
This could shift passenger preferences, especially for price-sensitive travelers. The financial strain on Indian carriers is significant, with longer flight times and higher fuel expenses.
In 2019, similar restrictions led to substantial losses, and this time, the impact could be comparable or worse, depending on the closure’s duration.
Looking Ahead
The airspace closure is a temporary measure, but its extension depends on diplomatic developments. India and Pakistan have a history of tit-for-tat actions, and without de-escalation, the situation could persist.
For now, Indian airlines are adapting by adjusting schedules and routes, but the added costs may pass to consumers. Travelers should stay informed and plan for potential disruptions.
This situation underscores the fragility of India-Pakistan relations, where geopolitical tensions quickly spill into economic and civilian spheres.
As both nations navigate this crisis, the aviation sector braces for challenges, and passengers face the ripple effects.
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