600 Indian Flights Rerouted in 5 Days as Pakistan Shuts Airspace After Pahalgam Terror Attack

New Delhi: Nearly 600 Indian flights have been forced to reroute over a span of five days after Pakistan abruptly shut its airspace to Indian carriers following the April 24 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The disruption has caused significant operational and financial strain on airlines including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

The decision by Islamabad, reportedly enacted at 6:00 PM on April 24, has severely affected west-bound international travel. Flights heading to Europe, North America, and West Asia are now taking longer routes via Mumbai or Ahmedabad, looping over the Arabian Sea and continuing through Muscat—adding up to 90 minutes for some destinations.

“This rerouting is not just a logistical headache—it’s expensive,” said a senior executive from a leading travel platform. “Fuel costs per flight have increased by $1,350 to $3,000.” Jet fuel already constitutes nearly 25% of an airline’s operational expenses, and the extended routes have further intensified this burden.

Air India now operates over 1,100 international flights weekly—double its 2019 figure—raising the stakes significantly higher than during Pakistan’s last airspace closure in 2019, which cost Indian carriers over ₹540 crore.

The government has stepped in to assess the situation. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, speaking on April 28, noted that the government is exploring alternatives, including northern Himalayan routes. However, these present their own set of technical and staffing challenges.

Indian airlines have appealed for temporary subsidies to mitigate rising costs and avoid transferring the burden to passengers. Industry insiders warn that continued access to Pakistani airspace by foreign airlines may offer them a competitive pricing advantage on similar routes.

Meanwhile, India is said to be considering reciprocal actions—possibly restricting Pakistani carriers' access to Indian airspace and ports—as tensions simmer over the Pahalgam incident and its geopolitical fallout.

As the situation unfolds, Indian travelers and carriers are bracing for continued delays, elevated costs, and uncertain skies ahead.