Indian carriers are anticipating longer routes and schedule changes due to Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace to Indian airlines in response to New Delhi’s suspension of a critical water sharing treaty following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir.
Past closures in 2019 resulted in significant financial losses for Indian carriers, estimated at around €72m.When Pakistan closed airspace due to the Balakot airstrikes that year, most flights by Indian carriers saw their durations rise by at least 70-80 minutes. Air India’s flights from Delhi to Chicago had to stop in Europe for refuelling. IndiGo’s flight from Delhi to Istanbul, which was then being operated by narrow-body aircraft, had to make a refuelling stop at Doha.
This decision forces airlines to take longer routes for westward international flights from northern India, potentially increasing operating costs and leading to higher airfares.
Air India and IndiGo reported delays and cancellations, with Air India indicating that its flights to North America and Europe will require alternative, extended routes.
The diplomatic fallout from the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan has heightened, after a tragic attack on civilians in Kashmir.
Air India shared: “Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest Due to the sudden announcement of air space closure by Pakistan, a few of our international flights are being impacted.”
Indio longer routes
Due to the closure of Pakistan’s airspace, circa 50 international routes operated by IndiGo will require longer sectors and hence may be subject to some slight schedule adjustments. With the same restrictions and limited rerouting options, unfortunately Almaty and Tashkent are outside the operational range of IndiGo’s current fleet. Hence flights to Almaty stand cancelled from 27th of April until at least 7th of May and to Tashkent from 28th of April until 7th May 2025. We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers and assure them that we’re looking at all options to minimize disruptions. We expect our customers’ understanding as these are reasons beyond our control. We suggest our customers to check the latest flight status on our website www.goindigo.com.
Rescheduling and cancellations can be managed through our website. For more information or assistance, please write to: customer.experience@goindigo.in
