Pahalgam terror attack: How Pakistan airspace closure will affect Indian airlines

Pakistan on Thursday closed its airspace to Indian-owned or operated airlines in retaliation for India's response to a deadly Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 tourists lost their lives.

With this decision, the Pakistani airspace cannot be used by India-registered aircraft as well as planes owned or leased by Indian operators.

Air India has announced on X (formerly Twitter) that due to newly imposed restrictions on Pakistani airspace for all Indian carriers, several of its flights to and from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East may need to take longer, alternative routes. Passengers are advised to expect potential delays and plan accordingly.

“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains a top priority," the airline said.

Other airlines, including Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, will also be affected by this move. These flights will need to take alternative routes, extending over the Arabian Sea, news agency PTI reported quoting senior airline officials.

Pakistan's move came just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to track down and punish the terrorists responsible for the brutal attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, where terrorists separated and executed male tourists.

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, New Delhi suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals and revoked previously issued visas.

How Will Airspace Closure Affect Indians?

flights, especially from Delhi and other northern cities, will take more time to reach their destinations, and fares are likely to rise by 8–12 per cent in upcoming days due to the detours necessitated by the closure of Pakistani airspace.

READ: Who was Bitan Adhikari? US-based TCS techie killed in Pahalgam terror attack

Air India and IndiGo confirmed on Thursday that some of their international services have been impacted, with Air India stating that its flights to and from North America, UK, Europe, and the Middle East would be rerouted and likely face extended flight durations.

According to a senior pilot quoted by PTI, certain flights to the US and Europe could experience increased travel times of up to 2 to 2.5 hours.

A History of Airspace Closures

Following the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019 and subsequent Indian Air Force air strikes in Balakot, Pakistan had imposed a similar ban.

The airspace remained closed for Indian carriers for several months during that period, significantly impacting international aviation routes and travel times.

(With inputs from PTI)

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