Indian Airlines Reroute Flights After Pakistan Closes Airspace Amid Kashmir Tensions

Air India and other Indian carriers are facing significant operational challenges after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian-registered aircraft yesterday, a move reportedly in response to the situation in Kashmir. Unlike previous closures, this one targets Indian carriers—both civilian and military—and is already causing a ripple effect across long-haul and regional operations.

The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Pakistan went into effect on April 24 and will remain valid until May 23, 2025. It prohibits any aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines or operators from entering Pakistani airspace.

Major Diversions and Delays

Air India, with its vast international network, is bearing the brunt of the ban. Key long-haul flights are now forced to take longer detours, resulting in increased fuel consumption, reduced cargo loads, and longer journey times.

• US & Canada to India:

  • San Francisco–Mumbai (AI180) and Toronto–Delhi (AI190) were rerouted via Copenhagen, even though they flew over Russian airspace during the diversions.
    
    

Flight AI180

Flight AI190

• Europe to India:

  • London–Delhi (AI162) and Paris–Delhi (AI148) diverted to Abu Dhabi for refueling or route adjustments.

  • Some flights, like AI112 from London, managed to depart with altered fuel loads and optimized flight plans to avoid Pakistani airspace.

Flight AI162

Flight AI148

• Middle East Flights:

  • Flights from New Delhi to destinations in the Middle East are now taking up to an hour to arrive. An Indian aviation executive noted that the increase in flying time affects fuel burn and cargo capacity, both of which are critical for profitability.

Broader Impacts on Indian Aviation

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, also began rerouting its international flights late Thursday. Flights to destinations such as New York, Dubai, Baku, and Azerbaijan now bypass Pakistani airspace, leading to longer flight paths.

• Flight 6E1803 from New Delhi to Baku took 5 hours and 43 minutes—a longer route via Gujarat and over the Arabian Sea before swinging north over Iran to reach Azerbaijan.

• IndiGo announced the cancellation of flights to Almaty from April 27 to May 7, and Tashkent from April 28 to May 7.

• The airline anticipates adjustments to 50 international routes and is reviewing crew rosters and pilot duty hours to comply with operational limitations.

Flight 6E1803 

Uncertainty and Escalating Costs

While Indian airlines are adapting quickly to minimize disruption, the increased costs are unavoidable. Aviation fuel, which already represents up to 30% of operating expenses, will weigh even more heavily on balance sheets. Delays in aircraft deliveries from Boeing and Airbus have already hampered fleet expansion plans, leaving little room for flexibility.

Meanwhile, New Delhi—India's busiest international hub—is expected to suffer the most from these airspace restrictions, as nearly all westbound flights from the capital traverse Pakistani territory.