Pakistani Airspace Closure Impacts Indian Flights: Experts Predict Longer Routes, Higher Costs, and Ticket Price Increases

Aftermath of Terror Attacks and Airspace Closure: What It Means for Indian Airlines

In the wake of a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has responded with significant measures against Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights, creating operational challenges for Indian airlines.

As of April 24, no Indian aircraft can fly through Pakistani airspace after 6 PM IST. This sudden change left many airlines scrambling, as some flights were already in the air and needed to reroute.

Impact on Indian Airlines

Aviation expert Harsh Vardhan pointed out that this isn’t the first time Pakistan has closed its airspace. Following the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, Indian airlines faced similar disruptions, which led to longer flights and increased costs. "It’s a familiar scenario for us," he noted.

With the current airspace closure, flights heading west, particularly to the US and Europe, will see increased travel times. Estimates suggest delays might range from 40 to 75 minutes due to necessary detours. While this may not immediately spike ticket prices for those who have already booked, prolonged restrictions could lead to fare increases. "If the airspace remains closed for three to six weeks, expect ticket prices to rise," warned Vardhan. Increased fuel consumption from longer flights will add to operational costs.

A pilot, speaking anonymously, shared that flights to the US East Coast and Europe will now face longer routes and may require additional fuel stops, further complicating logistics for the airlines. Extra crews will be needed to manage longer duty hours, which adds another layer of complexity for airline operations.

Historical Context: Lessons from 2019

This latest airspace shutdown mirrors the long closure from February to July 2019. At that time, Indian airlines lost over ₹500 crores due to rerouted flights. Pakistan suffered too; their Civil Aviation Minister at the time admitted the closure cost them around $50 million in lost flight revenue.

Disproportionate Effects on Northern India

Airports in North India, such as those in Delhi, Amritsar, and Lucknow, are likely to face the hardest hits from this airspace ban. Jitendra Bhargava, a former executive at Air India, said that while flights from Mumbai might avoid major disruptions, those from Delhi will experience significant detours.

With fuel prices already high, the added distance means increased costs for airlines. As of April 1, 2025, Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices were over $794 per kiloliter in Delhi and Mumbai.

Regulatory Response to Protect Passengers

In response to these challenges, India’s Civil Aviation Ministry has introduced new passenger-centered regulations. They’ve ordered airlines to:

• Communicate Clearly: Inform passengers about route changes and delays at all stages, from check-in to boarding.

• Enhance In-Flight Services: Adjust meal offerings according to flight times, even for technical stops.

• Ensure Medical Readiness: Have medical supplies on board for emergencies at potential stop locations.

• Support Customers: Improve customer service to handle issues related to delays and missed connections.

Competitive Disadvantages for Indian Airlines

Interestingly, this ban exclusively affects Indian airlines. Foreign carriers can still use Pakistani airspace, making their routes shorter and potentially cheaper. "This puts Indian airlines at a disadvantage," Vardhan noted, emphasizing that passengers might choose foreign carriers to avoid longer travel times and higher costs.

Future Diplomatic Efforts

Indian authorities are exploring diplomatic avenues to resolve the airspace situation. Experts believe that open dialogue with Pakistan and international bodies may provide a pathway to easing these restrictions and mitigating their impact on the aviation industry.

As this situation unfolds, both passengers and airlines will need to navigate these turbulent skies carefully.

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