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3d ago

Pakistan Closes Airspace to Indian Airlines Following Pahalgam Attack

The closure has disrupted international routes, extending flight times by up to 2.5 hours and increasing operational costs for Indian carriers.

Air India, IndiGo flights impacted by Pakistan airspace closure.
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As Pak shuts airspace, longer flights, price hikes expected

Overview

  • Pakistan has barred Indian-registered and operated airlines from using its airspace, citing retaliatory measures after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
  • Indian carriers like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have rerouted flights to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, leading to longer travel times and higher fuel consumption.
  • Flight durations on some international routes are expected to increase by 2–2.5 hours, with airfares projected to rise by 8–12% due to increased operational costs.
  • Airlines have issued travel advisories, offering flexible rebooking and refund options to mitigate passenger inconvenience during the disruptions.
  • The closure mirrors a similar airspace ban in 2019, which lasted over five months and resulted in significant financial losses for Indian carriers.