Pakistan Prolongs Ban on Indian Aircraft Over Its Airspace
Pakistan has extended its airspace closure to Indian aircraft for another month, deepening challenges for airlines already facing heavy financial strain.
According to a new NOTAM, Indian-registered planes—including commercial, leased, and military flights—are barred from flying through Pakistan until September 24, 2025.
The restrictions, first imposed on April 24, have now entered their fifth month, forcing carriers to adopt longer flight paths.
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Aviation experts noted that extended flight routes have raised fuel and crew costs considerably. Initial estimates showed weekly expenses for Indian airlines at around ₹77 crore, which translates to more than ₹300 crore per month.
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Within 21 days of the closure, combined losses had already crossed ₹460 crore.
Air India appears to be the hardest hit, with the airline projecting up to $600 million (₹5,000 crore) in additional yearly expenses if the ban continues. Other affected carriers include IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.
Passengers have also borne the brunt of the restrictions, with long-haul flights suffering major delays. Air India services from Toronto and San Francisco were forced to reroute via Copenhagen, extending journey times by up to 10 hours.
