Pakistan's Airspace Closure to Indian Airlines

Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines. This decision prompted cancellations and diversions for Air India and other Indian carriers, leading to increased costs due to extended detours.

Context and Impact

• Reason for Closure: Islamabad's decision followed New Delhi's announcement to suspend the 1960 Indus Water Treaty in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in 26 casualties. 
• Effects on Air India:
  • Flights to the US and Europe will experience an increase in travel time by almost two hours due to the need to avoid Pakistani airspace.
  • The new route includes a detour to Ahmedabad, a right turn to bypass Pakistan, then flying over Muscat, finally reaching North America via Iran.
  • This detour may necessitate an additional fuel stop, potentially in Sharjah, contingent on the payload.
• Impact on Other Indian Carriers:
  • Flights by IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air will face extensions of 20-30 minutes specifically on routes from New Delhi to the Middle East.

Operational Challenges

• Increased Fuel Consumption: Longer flight durations require burning more fuel. An Airbus A320, for example, consumes approximately 2,000 kg of fuel per hour, though the exact amount can depend on its weight and variant. 
• Crew Management: Extended flights complicate crew duty timings, potentially necessitating additional crew for return flights due to required rest periods. 

Historical Reference

• In 2019, a similar airspace closure by Pakistan, following the Balakot air strikes, resulted in Air India incurring losses of around ₹100 crore per month over four months.

Statements from Affected Airlines

• Air India: Expressed regret for passenger inconvenience, emphasizing safety as a top priority. 
• SpiceJet: Confirmed flights to the Gulf would carry additional fuel to accommodate longer travel times.