How much loss will Indian airlines suffer if Pakistan keeps it airspace shut for one year? Air India makes surprising claim, says May face loss of Rs…
New Delhi: India and Pakistan have extended the closure of their respective airspaces for each other’s airlines by one month, until 5:29 AM (IST) on June 24, 2025. The earlier notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by Pakistan was to expire on May 24. The fresh NOTAM issued by India says: “Indian airspace not available for Pakistan registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned/ or leased by Pakistan airlines/operators including military flights” till June 24, 5.29 am (IST).
Similarly, the fresh NOTAM issued Friday says: “Pakistan airspace not available for Indian registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned or leased by Indian airlines/operators including military flights.”
It is important to note that if Pakistan continues to keep its airspace closed, Air India could face a heavy loss. According to the figure revealed by Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, the national carrier will face a loss of nearly Rs 5,000 crore in a year.
The government had asked airline companies to estimate the potential losses resulting from the closure of Pakistan’s airspace. Due to the closure, aircraft have to take longer routes, leading to increased time and fuel costs. Airlines and the government are working together to find ways to minimize this loss.
Why Air India will face losses:
The main reason why Air India will face losses is because the closure of the airspace will force flights to take longer routes. This will naturally increase the flight durations and lead to higher fuel consumption and will directly impact the earnings.
Campbell Wilson also mentioned that when Pakistan closed its airspace after ‘Operation Sindoor’, 13 city airports for Air India had to be shut down. As a result, around 1,000 Air India flights were cancelled, and approximately 7,000 passengers faced inconvenience.
Not only Air India, other major airline companies are also witnessing similar inconvenience. If Pakistan’s airspace remains closed for an extended period, these companies will also suffer significant losses.
Airlines have given suggestions
Air India and other airline companies have suggested that the flight routes can be altered. This would reduce the impact of the airspace closure. The companies have also asked the authorities to make the network planning more dynamic.
Campbell Wilson said, “We were asked to provide an estimate of what the cost would be for us, and so we gave a number.”
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