India Pakistan War: This MUSLIM country facing heavy losses as India shut airspace to Pakistani aircraft, revenue to go down by…, country is…

New Delhi: The India-Pakistan relationship is currently at its lowest point following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani government has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft.  In response, India has also shut its airspace to Pakistani aircraft. However, this move is unlikely to affect Pakistan significantly, as only a few of its flights pass through Indian airspace. On the other hand, hundreds of Indian flights pass through Pakistani airspace, including those heading to Western countries and Central Asia.

Due to Pakistan’s move, airlines like Air India and IndiGo are being forced to alter their flight routes, leading to increased fuel costs and longer travel times. However, the biggest impact is being felt by Afghanistan.

Over 800 flights operated by Indian aviation companies pass through Afghanistan’s airspace every week, according to the reports. However, due to Pakistan’s airspace being closed, Indian aircraft are no longer flying over Afghanistan. This has resulted in a financial loss for Afghanistan. According to a Reuters report, the Taliban government of Afghanistan charges $700 per flight. Based on this rate, the Taliban was earning about USD 1,120,000 (approximately Rs 9.5 crore) every week from Indian airline companies.

Taliban’s Revenue

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) used to collect charges on behalf of Afghanistan’s aviation authority. This was before the Taliban came to power in 2021. However, after September 2021, IATA discontinued this service. Millions of dollars belonging to the Afghan government remain frozen in international accounts. Now, airlines and private jet operators make payments to the Taliban government through third parties. As a result, the Afghan government earns approximately USD 6 million per month.

Due to the closure of Pakistan’s airspace, flights from northern India to Europe and North America are now being rerouted via areas near Ahmedabad. From there, they turn over the Arabian Sea towards Muscat and then continue to their destinations. As a result, Air India is having to add a stop on its flights to the United States. IndiGo has stated that around 50 routes could be affected, while flights to Central Asia have been suspended.

Alternative Route

After Pakistan closed its airspace, experts have advised Indian aviation companies to consider some alternative options. Airlines have been told to explore a route where flights from Delhi head north toward Leh. From there, they would cross the Hindu Kush mountains and proceed to Europe or North America via Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This route would allow them to bypass both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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