India and Pakistan extended the closure of airspace for each other's aircraft for at least one more month on Monday. Pakistan extended its airspace closure for Indian aircraft and airlines till July 24, 5:29 am. In response to this, India extended its airspace closure for Pakistani airlines and aircrafts.
India, Pakistan Extend Airspace Closure For Each Other For Another Month
Indian Airlines suffered from increased operational costs and complexities with over 800 west-bound international flights impacted each week.
Pakistan has kept its airspace closed for India since April 24 as diplomatic relations between both nations deteriorated in the aftermath of the Pahalgam Attack of April 22. India has kept its airspace closed for Pakistan since April 30. In a fresh Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Pakistan on June 23, it extended its airspace closure for India for a month till July 24. Shortly after that, Indian aviation authorities also announced extending the closure of its airspace for Pakistan.
Most of the international flights from India to the west of the country, destined for West Asia, Europe, and Eastern parts of North America used to fly over the Pakistani Airspace. Indian airlines are being impacted due to the unavailability of the Pakistani Airspace. Every week, around 800 flights suffer due to longer routes and duration, increased fuel burn, complex crew and flight scheduling, resulting in increased operational cost. The closure of airspace applies to both civil and military aircraft.
Similar airspace closures were earlier seen following the Balakot Airstrikes in 2019. It is estimated that Indian Airlines lost around Rs 700 crores during the four-month-long airspace closure in 2019. Considering the geographical position and usage requirement of each other's airspace, losses to Pakistani Airlines are just a fraction of that to India. Pakistani airspace is crucial, especially for international westward flights launched from northern India. Flights launched from India’s largest and busiest, Indira Gandhi International Airport of Delhi, experience the most difficulties during such airspace restrictions. Operational costs and complications both increased due to increased distance and flight time. In 2019, Air India was the worst-affected Indian Airline as it operated the largest number of west-bound international fleets.
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