Longer Travels, Diversions, Higher Fares: What Pakistan Airspace Closure Means For Indian Air Travellers?

Pakistan's decision to restrict airspace for Indian airlines is likely to make air travel more expensive and longer for passengers of certain routes. Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and other Indian airlines have issued advisory for passengers warning them about potential impacts of Pakistan airspace closure.

Islamabad made the announcement on Thursday while rejecting New Delhi's announcement to close Indus Waters Treaty after Pahalgam Terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Shuts Airspace: Which Routes Are Likely To Be Impacted More?

Closure of Pakistan airspace is likely to impact the air travellers of flights to Central Asia, the Caucasus, West Asia, Europe, the UK and North America, reported the Indian Express.

Closure of the airspace is likely to impact Indian airlines operating on this route and may force them to opt for longer route. Last time when Pakistan had closed its airspace for Indian airlines for such a longer duration was in 2019 during Pulwama terror attack and retaliatory Balakot airstrike. During that time, Indian airlines had incurred a loss of Rs 700 crore due to higher fuel expenses and operational complications, reported IE.

Pakistan Shuts Airspace: Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air Issue Advisory

Hours after the announcement of Pakistan airspace closure, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air issued advisory for passengers warning them of potential impact on flight operations.

"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. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control," read a social media post by Air India on X. To know their flight status, Air India passengers can connect with the customer care services at: 011 69329333, 011 69329999 or visit our website

Akasa Air in a social media post mentioned that it is proactively attempting to reroute flights expected to fly over Pakistan airspace as precautionary measure. While maintaining that there is no significant impact to its flight operations, Akasa Air wrote, "This has no significant impact to our operations and will not cause any inconvenience to our passengers."

IndiGo airlines in its official notification wrote that its its few international flights continue to be impacted and it is working to assess the situation. SpiceJet will be diverting airlines operating from North India to UAE will be rerouted via alternative paths.

Pakistan Shuts Airspace for Indian airlines

Pakistan government on Thursday announced closure of air space to Indian-owned and operated airlines. It also declared suspension of all trade including those operated through third countries. In retaliation to visa ban imposed by India, Pakistan announced halting special South Asian visas issued to Indian nationals.

Pakistan's announcement came a day after the Indian government suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, cancelled all Pakistani nationals' visas, and closed the Attari Wagah Border. The Indian government made all these announcements in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed more than 25 people in Jammu and Kashmir.

Condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their backers. He said that India will pursue them to the ends of the Earth and mentioned that terrorism will not go unpunished.