New Delhi: International flights, especially from Delhi and other northern cities, would take a longer time to reach their destinations and fares are also likely to rise, experts claimed. This comes as Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines in retaliation for India’s response to a deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have issued travel advisory for passengers. They have warned them of service disruptions following such developments. Air India announced on X that due to newly imposed restrictions on Pakistani airspace for all Indian carriers, several of its flights to and from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East may be affected. Such flights may need to take longer and alternative routes.
“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, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority,” Air India posted.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
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, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused…
— Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025
“In view of the ongoing situation and Pakistan airspace closure, a few international flight schedules may be impacted. We’re working to minimise the inconvenience,” IndiGo posted on X.
#6ETravelAdvisory: We’re closely monitoring the situation following the sudden airspace closure by Pakistan. Some of our international flights remain impacted. Please check your flight status https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV and rebooking options https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP. pic.twitter.com/ya6WlSS4EM
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 25, 2025
Pakistan on Thursday closed its airspace to Indian-owned or operated airlines. This came as a retaliation for India’s response to a deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed at least 26 lives of mostly Hindu tourists.
Due to this restriction, Pakistani airspace cannot be used by India-registered aircraft as well as planes owned or leased by Indian operators.
Why airfare may shoot up? Here’s an explainer:
The closure of Pakistan’s airspace will affect all west-bound flights departing from northern Indian cities, including Delhi. Senior airline officials and pilots told PTI that these flights would need to take alternative and longer routes over the Arabian Sea. According to reports, this will disrupt flights from India to destinations in Central Asia, the Caucasus, West Asia, Europe, the UK, and North America.
With the longer flight paths, airlines will require more fuel. This will lead to increased costs and challenges with payload management. Though it is too early to assess the actual impact, airlines may face higher operational costs, subsequently leading to increased airfares. Airlines from other countries may have a cost advantage over Indian carriers on the affected route.
VISA of Pakistani Hindus valid: Indian Govt
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday clarified that Long Term Visas (LTVs) already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals would remain valid. This will hold true despite the recent suspension of visa services to Pakistani nationals.
“With reference to the Government of India’s decision dated 24 April to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals, it is clarified that the revocation of visas mentioned in the said decision does not apply to Long Term Visas (LTVs) already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals. These LTVs remain valid,” the MEA stated.
