Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines, impacting over 800 flights weekly with longer routes, increased fuel consumption, and complexities in crew scheduling. Early disruptions are evident in Indian Air flights from North India to various regions, necessitating significant schedule adjustments.
Indigo has suspended some flights to Central Asia due to the new restrictions, as narrow aircraft cannot operate efficiently under the altered airspace conditions. The closure affects 50 international routes, mainly from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which faces the most significant impact.
Air India and other carriers now have to reroute some North American flights, leading to planned technical stops in Europe. Historical data shows similar disruptions occurred in 2019 when Pakistan last closed its airspace.
Airline industry insiders suggest that operational costs will rise, potentially leading to higher passenger fares and giving competitive advantages to foreign airlines that can still use Pakistan’s airspace. Indian airlines are working on new schedules, with possible financial repercussions on the horizon.
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