India’s aviation sector is bracing for major disruptions after Pakistan announced the closure of its airspace to Indian airlines, prompting a reroute of international flights and a potential spike in airfares. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a fresh advisory to Indian carriers, instructing them to inform passengers about extended flight durations and ensure adequate food and water on board to minimize inconvenience.
The move, made amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack, has forced flights from Delhi and other northern cities to Europe and the US to take longer southern routes. Flights to Europe are now expected to take up to 2.5 hours longer, while transatlantic flights to the US could face delays of up to 4 hours due to refueling requirements.
Mumbai’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) has become the operational hub, now managing around 120 additional international flights daily through the Arabian Sea corridor. The oceanic division has deployed more personnel to handle the increased volume.
This situation mirrors the 2019 airspace closure following the Pulwama terror attack, which also led to a surge in Mumbai’s air traffic load.
Airlines are expected to face rising operational costs due to extended flight times, increased fuel consumption, and crew deployment. Industry officials warn that the longer routes could also push up ticket prices, especially on long-haul sectors.
With tensions remaining high, the aviation sector awaits further clarity on the duration of the airspace closure and its long-term impact.
