Indian carriers announced on April 24 that their international flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and the Middle East will now move through alternative extended route after Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airline.
The decision comes after the Pakistan government announced immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines following the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives.
With Pakistan closing off its airspace to Indian carriers, airlines now face longer durations and higher fuel burn for westward international flights taking off from north India — factors that could lead to a hike in airfares. Airspace restrictions are likely to result in delays and rescheduling of flights on multiple international routes operated by Indian airlines.
Travel Advisory shared by Indian carriers
Air India and IndiGo issued updates on social media offering assurances to affected passengers.
“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,” Tata Group airline Air India said in an X post.
IndiGo shared on X, “Due to the sudden announcement of air space closure by Pakistan, a few of our international flights are being impacted. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest.”
“A few of our international flights are being impacted. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest. We encourage you to check the latest flight status. If your flight is impacted, please explore flexible rebooking options, or claim a refund through our website,” it further said.
A SpiceJet spokesperson told media that the airline’s flights to the UAE from North India will now operate via alternative routes. As a result, these flights will carry additional fuel to account for the longer flying time. However, the spokesperson clarified that there is no significant impact on SpiceJet’s flight schedules.
“In light of the recent tragic incident in Pahalgam, we are closely monitoring the situation using all available resources. On the morning of 24th April 2025, we proactively decided to reroute any flights expected to fly over Pakistan airspace as a precautionary measure. This has no significant impact to our operations and will not cause any inconvenience to our passengers. We will continue to assess the situation daily and make any necessary adjustments to our flight operations to maintain the highest levels of safety that are central to our operations at all times,” Akasa Air said in a statement.
Pakistan closes airspace for India’s airlines following Pahalgam terror attack
A day after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Pakistan government announced immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines. Pakistan also suspended all trade with India, including goods passing through the country to or from third countries. As per a report by Reuters, the country has also objected to India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
The announcements were made after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to formulate the country’s response to India’s move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties after the Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting was attended by key ministers and the three services chiefs.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: India puts pressure on Pakistan in retaliation
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India has taken a series of strong retaliatory measures, including the closure of Pakistan’s airspace. On Thursday, India officially suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, signaling a hardening of its stance.
India closed the Attari Integrated Check Post and revoked Pakistan’s access to the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, instructing Pakistani nationals holding SAARC visas to leave India within 48 hours.
