The Pakistan airspace ban for Indian airlines has left India’s aviation industry with reported losses of around $2 billion since the restriction began in April 2025. Carriers have been pushed onto longer paths, burning more fuel and stretching schedules, while Air India is suspending some long-haul flights from Delhi this autumn.
Pakistan closed its skies to Indian aircraft on 23 April 2025 after the Pahalgam incident. The measure has remained in place for about 18 months. A Pakistan Airports Authority spokesperson said the restriction on Indian aircraft stayed in effect through November, with a formal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)—an official aviation alert—issued to that effect.
Longer routes and higher costs
With direct overflights blocked, Indian airlines have been routing flights through Iran or Central Asia. Reports say the detours have raised fuel costs by as much as 29 percent and added between 30 minutes and three hours to journey times. Around 800 Indian flights a week are affected, including roughly 640 that operate through Delhi.
Air India has informed the Indian government that the Pakistan airspace ban for Indian airlines has weighed on its profit before tax. Reports put the carrier’s annual losses linked to the closure at between $455 million and $591 million.
Air India trims European services
Air India is suspending flights between Delhi and Vienna from 31 October and between Delhi and Birmingham from 1 November. The airline cited higher operating costs, rising jet fuel prices, and reduced aircraft availability because of maintenance and cabin upgrades. It also said the Pakistani airspace closure, dearer jet fuel, and limited availability of Boeing 787 aircraft had contributed to its decision to reduce some international operations.
Under its 2026–27 winter schedule, Air India is also reportedly considering suspending flights between Delhi and Copenhagen and reducing services to London Gatwick and San Francisco.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- 23 April 2025: Pakistan closes its airspace to Indian aircraft following the Pahalgam incident.
- April 2025–October 2026: The ban remains in place for about 18 months; Indian airlines divert via Iran or Central Asia.
- Through November 2026: Pakistan Airports Authority says the restriction stays in force under a formal NOTAM.
- 31 October 2026: Air India suspends Delhi–Vienna flights.
- 1 November 2026: Air India suspends Delhi–Birmingham flights.
- 2026–27 winter schedule: Air India reportedly weighs suspending Delhi–Copenhagen and cutting Gatwick and San Francisco services.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan ne April 2025 mein Indian aircraft ke liye apna airspace band kar diya tha. Is pabandi ki wajah se Indian airlines ko lambay raste lene padte hain aur unhein lagbhag do arab dollar ka nuqsan bataya ja raha hai. Air India Vienna aur Birmingham ki kuch flights rok rahi hai. Pakistan Airports Authority ke mutabiq yeh pabandi November tak jari rahegi.
