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Pakistan's Airspace Ban on Indian Airlines Disrupts Global Routes

Indian carriers face longer flights and refueling stops, while Pakistan risks millions in lost revenue from overflight fees.

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Overview

  • Pakistan's airspace closure, effective until at least May 23, forces Indian airlines to reroute flights to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, increasing flight times and costs.
  • Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, have added technical refueling stops on long-haul routes, causing delays of up to six hours for some flights.
  • IndiGo has temporarily suspended flights to Central Asian destinations like Almaty and Tashkent due to aircraft range limitations caused by the longer routes.
  • Pakistan anticipates significant financial losses from overflight fees, with estimates suggesting a potential revenue hit of hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
  • The Indian government is working with airlines to address operational challenges, prioritizing passenger safety and exploring alternative routes.