Long route, expensive ticket… What difference will the closure of Pakistani airspace make to India?

Pakistan took a big decision on Thursday. It has immediately closed its airspace for all Indian airlines. Pakistan has also stopped trade with India. This includes goods that go to or come from other countries through Pakistan. Pakistan has objected to India’s decision to stop the Indus Water Treaty. The Pakistan government says that if India stops the water available to Pakistan or violates its rights, it will be considered an ‘act of war’. In response to India’s action, Pakistan has decided to close the airspace and stop all trade. Tensions between India and Pakistan have increased after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Both countries have taken many tough steps against each other. This has further worsened the relations between the two countries.

The closure of airspace by Pakistan will have a negative impact on Indian airlines. This will increase their operating costs. This is likely to increase ticket prices. Passengers will have to travel for longer periods of time. Airlines operating long-distance international flights will be most affected.

Now a longer route will have to be taken

Indian planes will now have to take a longer route to reach destinations like Europe, North America and the Middle East. Pakistan’s airspace falls in between. Bypassing it will increase the distance and time of flights. Longer routes mean that planes will have to carry more fuel. This will increase fuel costs. Fuel is a major expense for airline companies. In such a situation, it will affect their profitability to a great extent.

Increasing flight time may also increase crew working hours and other operating costs. Due to increase in operating costs, airline companies may increase ticket prices. This will make air travel expensive for passengers. Due to longer time in flights, the duration of passengers’ travel will increase. This can increase inconvenience especially for those traveling long distances. Uncertainty about route changes and airspace closures may cause flight delays and other disruptions.

All major Indian airlines will suffer

Air India, whose many long-distance international flights pass through Pakistani airspace, will be most affected. The company has already announced alternative routes for some flights. Flights of IndiGo, SpiceJet and other private airlines to the Middle East and other western destinations will also be affected. This will increase their operating costs.

Pakistan closed its airspace after the Balakot air strikes following the Pulwama attack in February 2019. Indian airlines then suffered a loss of about Rs 540 crore. This time too, if the airspace remains closed for a long time, there is a possibility of a big financial loss. Especially considering that the international operations of Indian airlines have increased significantly in 2025 compared to 2019.