Pakistan’s recent decision to close its airspace has forced Indian airlines to adjust their international flight routes, causing a ripple effect across various sectors. While the immediate impact has been on outbound tourism, particularly to destinations in Central Asia, a prolonged closure of the airspace could also have far-reaching consequences for inbound tourism and the broader aviation industry.
The closure has primarily affected flights from India heading to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. These are regions that are crucial for both outbound and inbound air travel. The immediate consequence has been a significant disruption in flights to countries in Central Asia, which have gained popularity among Indian travelers in recent years. Airlines like IndiGo, which has been leading the charge in connecting India to emerging markets, found themselves having to cancel flights or significantly alter schedules.
For example, IndiGo had to cancel its flights to Almaty and Tashkent, two popular destinations in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Other flights to Central Asian hubs such as Tbilisi and Baku also faced delays. A flight from Delhi to Baku, which typically takes about 3.5 hours, was stretched to over 4.5 hours due to the necessary rerouting. Similarly, a Delhi-Tbilisi flight, which would normally take around 3.5 hours, took almost seven hours due to the longer and less direct route. These extended travel times not only create logistical issues for passengers but also increase operational costs for airlines, which will inevitably be passed on to customers.
The immediate impact on Central Asia is particularly concerning given that these destinations were emerging favorites in India’s outbound tourism market. For the past few years, countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia have seen a growing number of Indian travelers, both for leisure and business purposes. The rise of budget airlines like IndiGo, which provides affordable travel options to these destinations, has played a key role in boosting tourism to the region. However, with the disruption caused by rerouted flights, the growth of this sector may be stunted.
In addition to the challenges posed to outbound travel, the broader implications of the airspace closure are also significant for India’s inbound tourism. India has been working hard to recover its inbound tourism numbers after the pandemic, and any disruption to international flight routes is likely to delay that recovery. The rerouting of flights not only impacts the speed and efficiency of travel but also complicates the travel plans of foreign tourists coming into India, particularly those who would have flown through Pakistan’s airspace. The added travel time could deter potential visitors, particularly those from destinations in Europe and the Middle East, where air travel is often time-sensitive.
While IndiGo and other airlines have indicated that they are reviewing the situation, they have not yet made any blanket cancellations for flights. This suggests that the airlines are holding out hope for a resolution to the airspace closure, but the uncertainty surrounding the situation means that future flights could continue to be impacted. Airlines are likely to have to make more adjustments, including changing routes, re-scheduling flights, or even increasing flight prices to cover the additional costs incurred due to the rerouting.
For now, the primary focus remains on how long Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed and how long airlines can manage with the adjustments they have made. However, if the closure continues for an extended period, both India’s outbound tourism sector and the airline industry could face long-term challenges. The competitive advantage that India currently holds as a hub for affordable, fast travel could erode, and countries looking to expand their tourism sectors may find themselves struggling to recapture growth in the face of these challenges. The need for a resolution, both for the airlines and the tourism industry, is now more pressing than ever.
