In the wake of Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace to Indian airlines, New Delhi is exploring alternative international flight corridors to mitigate operational disruptions and mounting costs for its carriers. The move follows the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that left 26 people dead. Two days later, Pakistan imposed the airspace ban citing national security concerns and fears of a potential retaliatory strike from India.
Major Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, are being forced to reroute several flights, resulting in extended journey times and a significant surge in aviation fuel consumption. According to aviation estimates, the closure could cost Indian carriers approximately INR 307 crore per month.
Government Mulls Over Hindu Kush Corridor
In a high-level meeting involving officials from the defence, external affairs, and civil aviation ministries, possible new routes to bypass Pakistani airspace were discussed, with special focus on easing congestion in the western air corridor.
One proposed route would see flights from Delhi navigating through Leh and the Hindu Kush mountains to enter Central Asian airspace—via Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan—before proceeding to Europe or North America. This path would avoid flying over both Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering a longer but geopolitically viable alternative.
However, the proposed Himalayan route poses significant operational challenges. Experts warn that aircraft flying over the Hindu Kush, a high-altitude mountainous region, will require additional oxygen supplies and enhanced crew training. While standard commercial aircraft typically carry 12–15 minutes of supplemental oxygen, the Hindu Kush terrain demands up to 30 minutes due to the extended descent time needed in case of emergencies.
Some older Boeing 777s in Air India’s fleet are equipped with larger oxygen tanks, but newer leased aircraft lack such provisions. A senior government official emphasised that no new route will be activated unless it meets stringent safety standards.
Flight Times Up, Refueling Stops Introduced
The Pakistani airspace closure has forced Indian airlines to divert their international flights either southward over the Arabian Sea or northward through Central Asia. This has added significant flying time to ultra-long-haul routes, particularly those bound for North America and Europe. Airlines are now compelled to add refueling stops in cities such as Vienna and Copenhagen to accommodate the additional distance.
As per a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Airports Authority of India, flights departing from key cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad have been instructed to adopt longer, southern routes.
Air India has already introduced one-stop services for flights to the United States, while IndiGo has suspended operations to several Central Asian destinations. The airline warned that up to 50 routes could be adversely impacted by the ongoing restriction.
India May Approach ICAO Over Airspace Blockade
India is also contemplating diplomatic recourse to the situation. The government is considering raising the matter with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), contending that the airspace blockade contravenes the 1944 Chicago Convention. The convention promotes freedom of passage for civilian aircraft and aims to ensure safe, secure, and efficient international air navigation.
A senior government official indicated that the next step could involve seeking China’s cooperation to explore direct overflight permissions. Such a corridor could potentially restore access to Europe and the US without necessitating refueling halts.
Pre-Closure Airspace Usage by Indian Airlines
Prior to the closure on April 24, Indian airlines operated nearly 100 flights per day through Pakistani airspace, translating to roughly 800 international flights a week. These flights, operated by carriers including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, relied heavily on the direct westward corridor through Pakistan to reach destinations in Europe, North America, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
The preferred route allowed aircraft to swiftly enter Pakistani airspace shortly after takeoff from Indian hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, facilitating fuel-efficient and time-saving operations. The abrupt closure now threatens to erode these advantages, with ripple effects expected on passenger fares, airline schedules, and overall operational efficiency.
