WEB DESK: Pakistan has extended the airspace ban for Indian planes until January 23, 2026, with a new NOTAM issued today.
As a result, Indian airlines will not use Pakistan’s airspace and are being forced to take longer routes, leading to increased costs and operational challenges.
Major Loss for Air India
This comes at a time when, due to the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian flights, Air India has reportedly suffered losses of around Rs 400 million, according to Indian media reports.
The airline has asked the Indian government for a subsidy to cover these losses and has also requested permission to use Chinese airspace as an alternative route.
The closure of Pakistani airspace has increased fuel costs and added about three hours to Air India flights to Western countries.
The airline is now urging the Indian government to seek permission from China to use its Xinjiang military airspace to shorten flight routes and reduce losses.
India-China flights
This request comes shortly after direct flights between India and China resumed following a five-year suspension caused by border clashes.
Air India is also trying to rebuild its network and reputation after a London-bound Boeing 787 crash in Gujarat in June, which killed 260 people and forced temporary flight reductions.
The airline’s fuel costs have risen by up to 29 per cent, and journey times for some long-haul flights have increased by up to three hours.
The Indian government is considering diplomatic engagement with China to allow alternative routes and emergency access to airports in Hotan, Kashgar, and Urumqi.
Air India, partly owned by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, estimates that the closure of Pakistani airspace has cut profits by $455 million.
The closure of Pakistani airspace has raised fuel costs and added about three hours to Air India flights to Western countries.
As a result, the airline is urging the Indian government to seek permission from China to use its sensitive Xinjiang military airspace to shorten flight routes, as financial losses continue to grow due to the ban on Indian flights over Pakistan.
Chinese response
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it had no information on the matter, while civil aviation authorities of India, China, and Pakistan did not respond to queries.
Also read: Trump Says he Stopped Pakistan-India War that was ‘Ready to Start Again’
