Flight times from India to the US and Europe are set to increase significantly after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers. The move, which comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries, has forced airlines to reroute aircraft through southern air corridors, adding hours to already lengthy international flights.
According to officials, flights from Delhi to Europe are expected to take approximately 2.5 hours longer, while those heading to the United States may be delayed by up to 4 hours due to mandatory refueling stops in Europe. This disruption affects aircraft that previously overflew Pakistani airspace, particularly over Lahore and Karachi, en route from northern Indian cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Amritsar.
Mumbai ATC braces for 120 extra flights per day, says report
With this sudden rerouting, Mumbai Air Traffic Control (ATC) has become the central hub for managing international flights from northern India. Flights are now being diverted southward to enter Mumbai’s airspace, fly over the Arabian Sea and Oman, and proceed to their respective destinations in Europe, the UK, or the US.
To handle the surge — estimated at an additional 120 international flights per day — Mumbai ATC has deployed extra air traffic controllers, especially in the oceanic control division, which monitors aircraft flying over long stretches of international waters, as reported by CNBC-TV 18.
Not the first time
This isn’t the first time India has faced such a disruption. A similar scenario unfolded in 2019, when Pakistani airspace closure forced Mumbai ATC to manage over 550 extra international flights, all taking longer detour routes to reach destinations in the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Operational strain and rising costs
The airspace shutdown is expected to increase fuel consumption, crew deployment, and maintenance cycles — all of which will result in higher operating costs for airlines. The added pressure on Indian aviation infrastructure could also impact schedules and passenger convenience, particularly for long-haul international routes.
Aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to maintain safety and efficiency despite the detours. However, until access to Pakistani airspace is restored, passengers should brace for longer journeys and potential delays on flights to the West.
