How Indians' overseas travel may be impacted by Pakistan's airspace restriction

If you're planning to fly out of India soon—especially from Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, Jaipur, or Varanasi—brace for longer travel times, pricier tickets, and potential flight headaches. Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian carriers in response to India's strong diplomatic offensive following the Pahalgam terror attack, and that move is already disrupting international travel in a big way.

Why It Matters

After India announced measures like suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, freezing SAARC visas, and scaling down diplomatic ties, Pakistan hit back by:

• Barring Indian-registered aircraft from its airspace.

• Suspending the Simla Agreement.

• Shutting down the Wagah border.

• Putting all bilateral treaties on hold.

Now, Indian carriers like Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet are being forced to re-route flights around Pakistani airspace, which is a vital corridor for many long-haul flights, especially to North America, Europe, the UK, and the Middle East.

What Travelers Can Expect

🔺 Flight Durations to Increase by 2–2.5 Hours

Airlines will now detour over the Arabian Sea and avoid Pakistani territory, leading to longer flying time. Flights to cities like London, New York, Toronto, and Dubai will be especially affected.

💰 Airfares to Rise 8–12% (Or More)

Longer routes mean more fuel and higher operational costs. With airlines also reducing passenger load to accommodate extra fuel, ticket prices are already rising and could climb higher if the situation persists.

🎒 Less Baggage, Fewer Seats

Expect more overbooked flights and tighter baggage allowances. To balance the aircraft’s weight for longer trips, airlines might cut down on passenger numbers and restrict luggage.

⏳ Missed Connections and Travel Delays

The extra flying time could lead to missed layovers or rescheduled itineraries, especially for travelers with tight connections.

How Airlines Are Responding

• Air India said it’s rerouting flights and expressed regret over the inconvenience, assuring passengers that safety remains the top priority.

• IndiGo posted that its teams are doing their best to minimize delays and help passengers reach their destinations.

• Other carriers like Air India Express and SpiceJet are also evaluating route changes and advising customers to check flight updates regularly.

Déjà Vu from 2019

This isn't new. Pakistan previously shut its airspace in 2019 after the Balakot airstrikes, causing chaos in the aviation industry for months. It took a significant financial toll on airlines and severely disrupted flight schedules then, and this time might not be much different.

What You Should Do

• Check flight status regularly before heading to the airport.

• Book buffer time for connecting flights if you're transiting through hubs in Europe or the Middle East.

• Prepare for higher ticket prices—buy early if you’re planning to travel.

• Pack smart—baggage limits may be stricter.

With tensions high and diplomacy strained, the skies between India and Pakistan have once again become the frontline. Travelers are now caught in the middle of a geopolitical standoff that’s playing out at 30,000 feet.