Pakistan’s airspace closure, first imposed on April 23, 2025, remains in effect for all Indian passenger and military flights. Officials said the extension follows a routine review of the regional security environment.
The ongoing airspace closure has forced Indian airlines to reroute flights along longer paths, significantly increasing fuel consumption and operational costs. Industry estimates suggest Indian carriers have lost billions of rupees due to these detours.
Air India has reportedly lobbied the Indian government to seek permission from China to use a sensitive military airspace zone in Xinjiang. The move aims to shorten flight routes amid rising costs from the Pakistan ban. This request comes just weeks after direct India-China flights resumed following a five-year pause due to Himalayan border tensions.
Air India continues to rebuild its international network and reputation after the tragic June crash of a London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Gujarat, which killed 260 people and temporarily forced the airline to suspend flights for safety inspections.
The airspace closure complicates these efforts, as Air India faces up to a 29% increase in fuel costs on affected routes. Journey times for some long-haul flights have increased by as much as three hours, according to a company document submitted to Indian officials in late October.
Officials stressed that the closure will remain in place until further notice. Indian carriers must continue adjusting schedules and managing rising costs while the diplomatic situation remains unresolved.
Analysts say the extended airspace closure highlights the vulnerability of regional aviation to geopolitical tensions and underscores the financial impact of airspace restrictions on international carriers.
In other news read more about: Pakistan Resumes Flight Operations in Lahore and Karachi After Airspace Closure
