Pakistan Bars Indian Airlines Amid Kashmir Crisis
On April 24, 2025, Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated carriers in retaliation for New Delhi’s tit-for-tat measures following a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians on April 22. The ban affects major Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo, forcing them onto longer, more circuitous routes to Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Reuters
Indian carriers have scrambled to reroute affected services by flying south of Pakistan through the Arabian Sea and then north again, adding as much as two hours and tens of thousands of dollars in extra fuel costs per roundtrip. Air India warned passengers of extended journey times, higher surcharges, and potential schedule disruptions, while IndiGo said it would adjust flight schedules and deploy spare aircraft where possible to minimise inconvenience.
Reuters
The airspace closure was one of several retaliatory steps announced by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, shut the Wagah land border and expelled Pakistani diplomats on April 23. Pakistan condemned India’s actions as “unilateral, politically motivated and devoid of legal merit,” and threatened further measures if its water rights were infringed.
Reuters
In addition to the airspace ban, Pakistan suspended all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Indian nationals, instructing most visitors to depart within 48 hours. Exceptions were made for Sikh pilgrims travelling via the Kartarpur Corridor. Pakistani officials also placed bilateral agreements, including portions of the Simla Accord, in abeyance and halted cross-border trade, saying that any attempt to alter water flows would be treated as an act of war.
Reuters
India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants responsible for the Pahalgam massacre, though Islamabad denies involvement and calls for an impartial international inquiry. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reached out to both Indian and Pakistani counterparts, urging de-escalation and restraint to prevent the crisis from spiralling into open conflict.
Reuters
Historical precedents suggest the dispute could cost Indian carriers dearly if prolonged. During a 2019 Pakistan airspace closure, Indian airlines collectively lost an estimated $64 million due to longer sectors and increased fuel consumption. Analysts warn that sustained closures could prompt airlines to explore alternative hubs and alliances to mitigate geopolitical risk.
Reuters
Passengers caught in the standoff have reported missed connections, overnight layovers and abrupt ticket rebookings. Some have lodged formal complaints with India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, seeking compensation under consumer protection rules for delays and unexpected accommodation costs.
Reuters
International carriers with routes over Pakistan, including Lufthansa and Air France, have similarly rerouted flights to avoid potential overflight bans, extending flights by up to 30 minutes. By contrast, Pakistan International Airlines faces minimal operational impact, as its limited network includes few routes that transit Indian airspace.
Reuters
The closure of Pakistan’s skies to Indian traffic highlights how rapidly diplomatic tensions can disrupt global aviation. Airlines must adapt to shifting corridors, regulatory bans and unpredictable costs while awaiting diplomatic breakthroughs. Until a political resolution is reached, passengers and cargo operators will continue to navigate the cost and complexity of rerouted services.
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