India is moving swiftly to mitigate the disruption caused by Pakistan’s abrupt closure of its airspace to Indian airlines, a decision that has impacted over 800 weekly international flights.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the government is closely coordinating with carriers to explore alternative routes while prioritising passenger safety and operational stability.The closure, announced last Thursday, has led to a cascade of operational challenges. Airlines are reporting longer flight durations, surging fuel consumption, increased crew costs, and the looming possibility of fare hikes. Air India’s non-stop services to North America, traditionally one of its strengths, are now forced into technical halts in Europe for refuelling and crew changes, altering passenger convenience and operational dynamics significantly.
Budget carrier IndiGo has suspended services to Central Asian hubs such as Almaty and Tashkent, citing operational infeasibility without access to Pakistani airspace.
also read :
Aviation analysts caution that foreign airlines, which continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to Pakistani skies, could gain a competitive advantage over Indian carriers, impacting market share and pricing power in international sectors.
Naidu highlighted that while rerouting options over Chinese airspace are technically possible, they involve additional complexities such as navigating the Himalayan range, which carries heightened safety considerations. The minister underscored that safety protocols would remain non-negotiable and financial support for airlines, despite the increased cost pressures, was not under active consideration for now.The situation bears a resemblance to the 2019 closure following the Balakot air strikes when Indian carriers faced losses estimated at ₹700 crore.
In light of this history, the government has urged airlines to model potential long-term scenarios, including the possibility of an extended closure lasting up to a year.To cushion passenger discomfort arising from extended flight times, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued advisories to ensure enhanced onboard services and comfort measures. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet are among the most affected, particularly on routes to West Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.Even as the situation remains fluid, the government has reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with airlines, striving to balance national security interests with the urgent need to minimise hardship for passengers and maintain the international competitiveness of Indian aviation. In an increasingly interconnected world, India’s swift and strategic response will be critical to maintaining connectivity while navigating regional geopolitical turbulence.
also read :
Indian Flights Face Longer Travel Routes
