Indian airlines are facing increased costs and disruptions to their operations after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers in response to rising tensions between the two nations. The closure, which follows a deadly militant attack in Kashmir, has led to longer flight routes for major Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, as they reroute international flights to avoid Pakistani airspace.
The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following a recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 people in the Pahalgam area. India has accused Pakistani elements of involvement in the attack, though Pakistan has denied the allegations. In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines, a move that is significantly affecting flight operations.
The airspace closure is particularly impactful for flights departing from New Delhi, one of the world’s busiest airports. Many international flights from New Delhi typically traverse Pakistani airspace on their way to destinations in the West and the Middle East. With Pakistan’s airspace now closed, Indian airlines are being forced to take longer routes, which not only increases flight durations but also leads to higher fuel consumption.
Air India and IndiGo, the two largest airlines in India, are the most affected. Air India, which operates the largest long-haul network from New Delhi, is now required to reroute flights to destinations such as New York, Azerbaijan, and Dubai. These flights would normally pass through Pakistani airspace, but due to the closure, they are now being rerouted along longer paths. The extra flying time means more fuel consumption, which translates into higher operational costs for the airlines. This additional fuel usage also limits the amount of cargo that can be carried, further impacting the airlines’ profitability.
IndiGo, a major low-cost carrier, has acknowledged that its flights to a few destinations will be affected by the airspace closure, though the company has not disclosed the full extent of the impact. Air India, in a statement, confirmed that some of its flights to and from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East would take longer, alternative routes. Industry experts have pointed out that Air India will bear the brunt of the disruptions, given its extensive long- and ultra-long-haul network.
The increased fuel costs will place additional pressure on Indian airlines, already struggling with high operating costs. Aircraft fuel typically makes up about 30% of an airline’s operating expenses, and the longer flight routes will push these costs even higher. Airlines will also have to adjust their crew schedules and pilot rosters to account for the additional flying hours required by the longer routes. This could lead to further logistical challenges as airlines work to maintain their schedules.
This disruption comes at a time when the Indian airline industry is already grappling with other challenges, such as delays in the delivery of new aircraft from manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. The airspace closure adds another layer of complexity to the sector’s recovery efforts, as airlines must now adjust to higher operational costs while also navigating ongoing logistical challenges.
In addition to the operational and financial difficulties, the airspace closure has also raised concerns about the broader impact on the airline industry in the region. Airlines will need to carefully assess the financial and operational implications of the situation, as the restrictions are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future. The closure of Pakistani airspace is expected to continue affecting flight times and fuel costs, leading to increased pressure on Indian airlines, which may ultimately have to pass on these additional costs to passengers through higher ticket prices.
