In a dramatic step in the wake of India’s strong response to the latest Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has shut down its airspace to Indian-owned planes as well as leased and operated planes from Indian airlines. The move, viewed as a retaliatory action, is already affecting international flight operations and could soon result in increased airfares.
Pakistan’s Airspace Ban Amid Tensions
The airspace ban follows India imposing a number of stringent measures in response to one of the most lethal terror attacks on civilians in almost two decades. The government also suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals, apart from medical visas, which will continue to be valid until April 29.
On Thursday, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines, escalating diplomatic and aviation tensions. The ban is not only on Indian-owned planes but also on leased planes and planes operated by Indian airlines.
Indian Airlines Issue Travel Advisories
After Pakistan’s announcement, some Indian airlines, such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, issued travel advisories for passengers, admitting disruptions and apologizing for the inconvenience.
Air India posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), stating,
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
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…
— Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025
“Air India regret the inconvenience this unexpected closure of airspace outside of our control may have caused our passengers. Let us restate that at Air India, passenger and crew safety is always foremost in our thoughts.”
IndiGo also informed its passengers regarding possible delays, sharing:
#6ETravelAdvisory: We’re closely monitoring the situation following the sudden airspace closure by Pakistan. Some of our international flights remain impacted. Please check your flight status https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV and rebooking options https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP. pic.twitter.com/ya6WlSS4EM
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 25, 2025
“We realize the inconvenience this might cause, and our teams are making every effort to enable you to reach your destination at the earliest.”
SpiceJet came to the aid by exempting rescheduling and cancellation fees for flights to and from Srinagar up to April 30. The offer is valid for tickets booked up to or on April 22.
To reduce passenger inconvenience amidst the current situation, we are also flying an extra flight from Srinagar to Delhi today. We join our condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected in these tragic hours,” SpiceJet said.
Flight Routes to Be Changed
The restriction will particularly impact west-bound flights leaving northern Indian cities like Delhi, aviation experts have said. Flights to Europe, the UK, Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and North America will henceforth have to make longer diversions, flying over the Arabian Sea rather than the shorter flight route through Pakistan.
Higher fuel expenses and operational costs were the result of longer routes, senior airline executives informed PTI. The detours could also increase flight times and create operational complexities for airlines in terms of plane load and passenger carriage.
Increasing Costs and Possible Airfare Rise
As the airlines now need to consume more fuel because of longer routes, prices are likely to hike. A top travel industry executive told PTI that international airfares on Indian airlines would go up by 8–12 percent. If things continue, fares may increase even further.
Longer distances require airlines to transport more fuel, which increases weight and leads airlines to revisit the payload. In order to ensure safety and efficiency, airlines might have to cut passengers or cargo weight—both of which impact profitability.
Cutting passengers can lower revenue, while taking on extra fuel raises costs. With several Indian carriers already running on thin margins, these alterations could place further financial pressure on the aviation sector.
Further, since other international airlines from abroad will still have the option of flying through Pakistan’s airspace, they might achieve a cost and schedule benefit over Indian airlines. This difference will again impact Indian airlines’ competitiveness on international routes.
Air India Expected to be Impacted Most
Of all Indian carriers, Air India will bear the biggest brunt, as it operates several direct flights to the US, Canada, and Europe from Delhi. The longer routes will affect both flight times as well as fares and can even impact demand for passengers.
Not the First Time: 2019 Airspace Closure Recalled
This is not the first time Pakistan has shut its airspace to Indian carriers. In February 2019, after the Indian Air Force Balakot airstrikes in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack, Pakistan had also imposed a similar shutdown.
During that time, the airspace was closed for months, causing an estimated loss of Rs 700 crore to Indian airlines, primarily because of extra fuel burn and longer flying times. Air India was the worst affected in 2019 too, according to reports.
Tourism Hit and Security Concerns in Kashmir
Meanwhile, India has stepped up security deployment in Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack that left several civilians dead. Officials initiated a massive search operation in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam to locate the terrorists. The attack has put a shadow on tourism in the region, and there has been increased deployment to ensure that no more violence erupts.
Diplomatic Fallout and Escalation Fears
The existing tit-for-tat actions by Pakistan and India have triggered fears of wider diplomatic or military escalation between the two nuclear powers. With heightened tensions, both nations are keeping their troops on alert, and global powers are observing the events with interest.
As the airspace closure reconfigures flight operations, Indian travelers might experience increasing ticket prices and longer travel durations. Airlines are readjusting operations, and travelers are encouraged to check airline announcements frequently.
This developing situation reminds us of the ways in which geopolitical tensions can directly and immediately affect global travel and the aviation industry.
