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

Airlines in India may incur additional weekly expenses of ₹77 crore for foreign flights from north Indian towns due to Pakistan's denial of airspace following the Pahalgam terror assault. The airspace restrictions are anticipated to lead to increased fuel usage and longer travel times. According to a PTI research, the monthly running costs could increase by almost ₹307 crore. In the midst of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror assault, Pakistan announced on Thursday that Indian planes will be barred from using its airspace.

IndiGo announced on April 25 that approximately 50 of its international flights may require longer sectors, which may necessitate minor schedule adjustments. "With the same restrictions and limited rerouting options, unfortunately, Almaty and Tashkent are outside the operational range of IndiGo's current fleet," the company stated in a statement.

Flights to Almaty are cancelled from April 27 until at least May 7, and to Tashkent from April 28 to May 7. Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have made no statements on flight cancellations owing to airspace restrictions. Air India runs widebody A350s, B777s, and B787s, whereas IndiGo flies leased B787 and B777 aircraft. The remaining carriers, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, fly narrow-body aircraft such A320s, A321s, and B737s.