The Indian government is working urgently with domestic airlines to find alternative flight routes and financial support as Pakistan’s airspace remains closed to Indian carriers for the 11th straight day, according to ARY News.
The airspace ban, initially imposed by Pakistan from April 23 to May 23 due to security concerns, has forced Indian airlines onto significantly longer flight paths — in some cases requiring mid-air refueling. This has sharply increased operational costs, causing serious financial strain across the sector.
So far, over 1,150 Indian flights have been disrupted, with national carrier Air India bearing the greatest impact, followed by IndiGo, which has already suspended flights to destinations like Tashkent and Almaty. Other major airlines, including Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express, have also been hit hard, rerouting flights over the Arabian Sea, which has led to increased fuel consumption and longer travel times.
Routes connecting India to the UK and North America, especially from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, are experiencing flight time extensions of up to 10 hours due to diversions. As a result, many Indian passengers are shifting to foreign airlines as cancellations mount and refund delays continue.
Estimates submitted to India’s Civil Aviation Ministry suggest that if Pakistan’s airspace closure continues, the additional annual costs for Indian carriers could soar to around $600 million. In just nine days, airlines have reportedly lost over Rs 2 billion due to these disruptions.
This is not the first time Pakistan’s airspace closure has hit Indian aviation; a similar ban in 2019 reportedly cost Indian airlines ₹700 crore. With the current restriction in place until May 23, India’s aviation sector is bracing for further operational challenges and financial losses if no resolution is reached soon.