Pakistan Airspace Closure: Impact on Indian Airlines and Operational Challenges

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Pakistan Airspace Closure Impact Latest News
• Impact of Pakistan Airspace Closure on Indian Flights
• Pakistan’s Last Airspace Closure
• Pakistan Airspace Closure Impact FAQs

Pakistan Airspace Closure Impact Latest News

• Pakistan's closure of its airspace to Indian airlines is set to impact over 800 weekly flights, leading to longer travel times, higher fuel consumption, and complications in crew and flight scheduling. 
• Flights from North India to destinations in West Asia, Europe, the UK, and North America's eastern region are already taking longer alternate routes, increasing operational costs.

Impact of Pakistan Airspace Closure on Indian Flights

• Scope of the Ban:
  • Pakistan has banned all aircraft registered in India or operated by Indian carriers from using its airspace.
• Affected Routes
  • The closure impacts all west-bound flights from northern Indian cities, especially Delhi, to Central Asia, the Caucasus, West Asia, Europe, the UK, and North America.
• Longer Flight Paths
  • Flights will need to reroute over the Arabian Sea, increasing journey times and leading to higher fuel consumption.
• Operational Challenges
  • Airlines will face difficulties with fuel management and payload, potentially needing to reduce the number of passengers or baggage to maintain safe weight limits.
• Increased Costs and Airfares
  • Operational costs will rise due to longer routes and higher fuel burn. 
  • Airfares on international routes operated by Indian carriers may increase by 8–12%, with a possibility of further hikes if the situation persists.
• Competitive Disadvantage
  • Foreign airlines that can still use Pakistani airspace will gain a cost advantage over Indian carriers on shared routes.
• Most Affected Airline
  • Air India, which operates several direct flights to Europe, the US, and Canada from Delhi, is expected to be hit the hardest.
• Uncertainty in Flight Plans
  • Airlines are still evaluating routing options, and more clarity will come once final flight plans are submitted.
• IndiGo’s Growing Exposure
  • Since 2019, IndiGo has expanded significantly into Central Asia, Turkey, and the Caucasus, becoming the only Indian carrier operating in those regions. 
  • Its operations are notably impacted under the new restrictions.

Pakistan’s Last Airspace Closure

• Pakistan last closed its airspace in February 2019 after the Indian Air Force conducted air strikes in Balakot in response to the Pulwama terror attack.
• Duration and Impact
  • The closure lasted for several months, causing significant operational disruptions for Indian airlines due to the need for longer alternate routes.

Financial Losses

• Indian airlines collectively incurred losses of around Rs 700 crore, mainly due to increased fuel expenses and logistical challenges.

Most Affected Airline

• Air India suffered the most, as it operated the highest number of west-bound international flights during the closure period.

Pakistan Airspace Closure Impact FAQs

Q1. How does Pakistan’s airspace closure affect Indian flights?

Ans. Indian flights to Central Asia, Europe, and the US face longer routes, increased fuel consumption, and higher costs.

Q2. Which airline is most affected by the airspace closure?

Ans. Air India, operating numerous west-bound flights, faces the highest impact due to rerouting and operational challenges.

Q3. How will the airspace closure increase airfare costs?

Ans. Increased fuel consumption and longer routes are expected to raise airfares by 8-12% for Indian carriers.

Q4. What happened during Pakistan’s last airspace closure in 2019?

Ans. Pakistan closed its airspace after the Balakot airstrike, disrupting flights and causing Indian airlines to incur significant financial losses.

Q5. What could be the long-term effects of the closure?

Ans. Airlines may suspend routes, foreign carriers gain a competitive edge, and airfares could rise further due to operational costs.

Source: IE | FP | HT | IT