The ban, which only affects Indian airlines, is already showing its impact. According to data from Flightradar24, flights to destinations such as New York, Baku, and Dubai have been forced to take longer routes to bypass Pakistan's airspace—routes that add as much as an hour of additional flying time, especially from New Delhi, one of the world’s busiest airports.
New Delhi Hit Hardest
Flights from New Delhi to the West and Middle East, which typically fly over Pakistan, are now forced to detour over Gujarat and the Arabian Sea, adding both time and cost. Data from Cirium Ascend reveals that IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have a combined 1,200 international flights scheduled from New Delhi to Europe, the Middle East, and North America in April alone—highlighting the scale of disruption.
“Air India is currently the most affected with the largest long- and ultra-long haul network out of Delhi,” said Ajay Awtaney, founder of aviation website LiveFromALounge.
For instance, IndiGo flight 6E1803 from New Delhi to Baku took 5 hours and 43 minutes on Thursday via a detour over the Arabian Sea and Iran—38 minutes longer than the previous day's flight using Pakistan’s airspace.
Rising Costs, Roster Chaos
Aviation experts warn that the added flight time means higher fuel burn and reduced cargo space, as aircrafts will need to carry more fuel. This comes at a time when fuel accounts for nearly 30% of airline operating costs, already the largest expense for most carriers.
An unnamed Indian airline executive noted that scheduling crews and pilots will now require major recalculations to stay compliant with flight time regulations. One pilot told Reuters the disruptions will force companies to revisit duty rosters and adjust turnaround times, adding to the logistical headaches.
While IndiGo said only “a few” of its flights will be impacted, Air India confirmed that several flights to North America, Europe, the UK, and the Middle East will now take extended alternative routes.
Broader Industry Headwinds
The airspace ban adds to a series of problems for Indian airlines, including aircraft delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus, which have slowed down ambitious fleet expansion plans.
With Pakistan’s airspace closure expected to last until May 23, airlines and travelers alike are bracing for a month of delays, higher costs, and operational strain.
As one industry executive summed up: “We’re scrambling to make this work. It’s like trying to redesign a flight map overnight.”