Effects of Pakistani Airspace Ban on Indian Airlines

Ban on Pakistani airspace

After oil companies have raised the price of fuel by 2.5%, the fuel, for international flights, is costing $700 per kiloliter in May. This has affected Pakistan in large, especially after losing its airspace due to Balakot airstrike that took place on February, 26. The longer routes flights are in need of consuming more money and fuel, but everything is not on track for Pakistan.

It is expected that restrictions on Pakistan’s airspace may stay till May 15. Not only Pakistan is suffering due to the closure of its airspace, but also Indian airlines are affected in large. Have a look-

Distance is Directly Proportional to Expense

The closure of Pakistani airspace has affected 400 flights each day. Due to this, the airspace from South to Oman is rerouted whereas Iran has added more than 100 flights to its busy corridors. In addition, an extension of 451 kilometers is made to a flight from London to Singapore after flying through the Oman route.

Air India

This airline is affected in large numbers, as Air India is the only Indian carrier that flies to the US and Europe. If the restrictions are not removed, then the airline may undergo a loss of 100 crores in this month. However, Air India has already faced a 372-crore hit on additional expenses and revenue loss on curtailed or canceled flights.

All the nonstop flights between the US and Delhi have a fuelling stop that takes 3 hours extra to the flight traveling time.

IndiGo

After launching its longest route Delhi-Istanbul on March 20, IndiGo is forced to operate with a fueling stop instead of a direct flight. This makes IndiGo consume extra fuel of 2,500-3,000 kg for each route.