GUWAHATI: International flights from Delhi and other northern cities are expected to face longer durations and rising fares following Pakistan's decision to close its airspace to Indian airlines. This measure comes in retaliation for India's response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists.
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Air India said in a statement on X: “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 to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control.”
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
— Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025
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…
The airline urged passengers to check for delays and plan accordingly. “We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority. To check if your flight is affected by this disruption, please call our Contact Centre... or visit our website http://airindia.com,” it added.
IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, saying: “#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 http://bit.ly/31paVKQ and rebooking options http://bit.ly/31lwD2y.”
#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
With the restriction in place, Indian-registered aircraft and planes owned or leased by Indian operators are barred from using Pakistani airspace. Flight durations on several international routes are expected to increase, and fares could rise between 8 to 12 per cent in the short term.
