Pakistan Airspace Closure Causes Flight Disruptions, Rising Costs for Passengers

The ongoing closure of Pakistan’s airspace to Indian carriers is severely disrupting international flights, especially from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air are being forced to reroute flights, leading to longer travel times, increased fuel consumption, and higher operational costs. These changes have resulted in significant fare hikes for passengers, particularly for westbound flights to Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The airspace closure mirrors the 2019 crisis but with broader implications due to India’s expanded aviation sector.

Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Qatar Airways, while not directly restricted, are also facing delays and longer planning times due to air traffic congestion. For travelers, this means longer flight durations, additional fuel surcharges, and higher ticket prices, making travel more expensive. The disruption highlights how geopolitical issues can significantly affect air connectivity, particularly for international travel from India.