Pakistan airspace closure could cost Indian airlines ₹307 crore every month

Indian airlines are expected to incur extra weekly costs of ₹77 crore for international flights from northern cities because of Pakistan’s airspace shutdown following the Pahalgam terror incident. The restrictions on airspace are expected to lead to higher fuel usage and extended flight times. A study indicated that the extra monthly operational expenses might reach around ₹307 crore.

In the midst of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan announced on Thursday that it will prohibit Indian airlines from accessing its airspace.

On April 25, IndiGo announced that approximately 50 of its international routes will necessitate longer sectors and may therefore experience minor schedule changes. Flights to Almaty are cancelled from April 27 through at least May 7, and flights to Tashkent are suspended from April 28 to May 7. Other carriers like Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have not issued any statements regarding flight cancellations resulting from the airspace restrictions.

Air India flies large A350, B777, and B787 aircraft, whereas IndiGo uses leased B787 and B777 planes. The other airlines — Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air — fly narrow-body aircraft like A320s, A321s, and B737s.