Travel Advisory Issued By Multiple Indian Airlines After Pakistan Announces Airspace Closure

A sudden airspace closure announced by Pakistan has prompted several Indian airlines to issue travel advisories, reroute international flights, and adjust operations to ensure passenger safety and minimise disruption following the devastating terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. 

The move, which restricts Indian commercial flights from entering Pakistan’s airspace, has directly affected air traffic connecting India with Europe, the Middle East, North America, and parts of Asia. The closure has forced rerouting of many long-haul flights, with some carriers already deploying contingency plans to mitigate the disruption.

Travel agencies in Delhi reported that nearly 90 per cent of bookings for Kashmir have been cancelled, while some tourists are negotiating to shift their plans to alternative destinations. According to a senior pilot quoted by PTI, the duration of some flights to the US and Europe could increase by as much as 2 to 2.5 hours.

The duration of international flights will vary based on the alternate routes chosen by airlines, and multiple routing options are currently under consideration. A clearer picture will emerge once airlines submit their flight plans, a senior Air Traffic Controller told PTI.

A senior travel industry executive told PTI that international airfares on Indian carriers are expected to increase by 8–12 per cent due to the airspace closure. If the situation persists, ticket prices could rise even further.

SpiceJet, in a statement, confirmed that its flights from North India to the United Arab Emirates would now take alternate routes. A spokesperson for the airline clarified, "Our flights to the UAE from North India will operate via alternate routes. As a result, these flights will carry additional fuel to account for the longer flying time. There is no significant impact on our flight schedules."

This suggests that while operations remain largely uninterrupted, passengers may experience slightly longer flight durations and possible changes in departure or arrival times.

The airspace closure follows a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen. India has attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, leading to a series of retaliatory measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals, and the closure of the Attari–Wagah border crossing.

Furthermore, Air India, which has a major share of India’s long-haul routes, 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. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority."

IndiGo also issued a travel advisory confirming the impact on a few of its international routes. The airline assured passengers that its teams are actively working to assess the situation and help customers with alternative arrangements.

"Due to airspace closure by Pakistan, a few of our international flights continue to be impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and assist impacted customers with the best possible alternatives," the advisory stated. IndiGo encouraged affected passengers to visit their website for flexible rebooking or refund options and reaffirmed its commitment to keeping travellers informed.

The advisory further stated, “ This sudden announcement is beyond our control and we sincerely regret the disruption it may have caused to your travel plans. If your flight is impacted, we encourage you to visit our website to explore flexible rebooking options or claim a refund as per your preference.”

Impact on Travellers

Passengers travelling on international routes, particularly those connecting to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, may experience longer flight durations and potential schedule adjustments due to the rerouting of flights. Airlines have advised travellers to stay informed through official channels and to check for updates on flight statuses.​

While the airlines are working diligently to minimise disruptions, the situation remains fluid, and travellers are encouraged to remain flexible with their plans.

Outlook

As of now, there is no official timeline for the reopening of Pakistan's airspace to Indian carriers. The situation is being closely monitored by aviation authorities and airline operators. Passengers are advised to stay updated on developments and to maintain communication with their respective airlines for the latest information.

The current tensions underscore the broader implications of geopolitical conflicts on international travel and the importance of contingency planning in the aviation industry.

Source: PTI/ANI