In the wake of a recent attack by Pakistan in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. As a result of the heightened conflict, Pakistan has shut down its airspace for Indian flights, triggering a chain reaction of disruptions across the aviation sector. From rerouted international flights to increased travel times and rising airfares, the move is significantly impacting both airlines and passengers. Here's a detailed look at how this geopolitical move is affecting air travel.

Major Impact on Flights:

• Flights from India to Europe and the US are now taking 2 to 2.5 hours longer.
• The worst-hit airport? Delhi IGI, thanks to its heavy international traffic.

Indian Airlines are Feeling the Heat:

• Fuel costs have shot up due to longer flight paths.
• Crew members are logging in extra hours mid-air.
• Not surprisingly, flight delays are becoming the norm.

New Detour Routes:

• Middle East flights are now looping via the Arabian Sea.
• Europe and US-bound flights are flying via Iran, Central Asia, and Russia.
• Some US flights now include stopovers in Europe.

Due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, international flights from India are now experiencing increased travel times across various regions. Flights to the Middle East are taking approximately 20 minutes longer, while those to West Asia are delayed by around 40 minutes. Central Asia-bound flights face delays exceeding 60 minutes. The impact is even more significant for European destinations, with flight times extended by nearly 2 hours. The worst hit are flights to the United States, which can now take up to 4 hours more than usual.

This extended travel time is directly contributing to increased operational costs for airlines, and passengers are likely to bear the burden through a hike in international airfares, which may rise by 8% to 12%.

Tough Calls for Indian Airlines:

• They’re now carrying more fuel than usual.
• Reducing passenger count to balance load.
• Strict baggage restrictions are being enforced.

It’s a turbulent time for Indian aviation, and while the skies remain open, they’re certainly not as friendly as before. Travelers, be prepared — both in patience and in your pockets.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog is based on publicly available sources and current developments as of the time of writing.