Pakistan Shuts Airspace for India: Flight Disruptions, Rising Costs, But Who Gets Hurt the Most?

April 24, 2025, New Delhi – Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has taken a drastic step by shutting down its airspace for Indian aircraft. In a high-level meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) also suspended all bilateral agreements, including the historic Shimla Accord.

This move comes after India’s strong retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, which included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, halting visas, and reducing the diplomatic staff of the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.

🚫 Impact of Airspace Closure

The immediate fallout of Pakistan’s decision will be felt by flights departing from North Indian cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Lucknow that head westward to Europe, the US, and the Middle East.

With Pakistani airspace off-limits:

• Flights must now reroute via Gujarat or Maharashtra over the Arabian Sea.

• This adds 70 to 90 minutes of flight time.

• Increased fuel consumption will lead to higher operational costs.

• Airlines may hike ticket prices, directly affecting passengers.

💸 What’s the Loss to Indian Airlines?

Back in 2019, when Pakistan closed its airspace post-Article 370 abrogation, Indian carriers suffered losses of over ₹700 crore (approx. $85 million).

This time too, long-haul carriers like Air India will face major operational challenges and increased expenses due to detours.

🏴☠️ But Pakistan Stands to Lose More

While Pakistan may view this as a diplomatic warning shot, the economic cost could boomerang:

• Pakistan earns millions in overflight fees from Indian aircraft each year.

• In 2019, it lost over ₹400 crore (about $50 million) due to the closure.

Given Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis, this revenue loss could worsen its financial strain.

🔍 Conclusion: India Faces Disruption, But Pakistan Risks Economic Fallout

While India’s aviation sector will face temporary disruptions and cost hikes, the real economic blow lands in Pakistan’s court.

Indian airlines will reroute and recover, but Pakistan’s decision could become a case of economic self-harm, adding to its existing fiscal woes.