Dubai, UAE – Flights between the UAE and India could experience significant delays and longer routes after Pakistan announced the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and operated airlines on Thursday. The move comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this week.
Immediate Impact on Indian Airlines
Air India confirmed in a statement that several of its flights to and from North America, Europe, the UK, and the Middle East will now take “alternative extended routes.” The airline apologized for the inconvenience, emphasizing that passenger safety remains its top priority.
With Pakistani airspace now off-limits, Indian carriers such as Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo will likely reroute flights over the Arabian Sea or through southern paths, potentially adding up to two hours of travel time. Major routes from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru—which typically rely on Pakistani airspace for the shortest path—will be most affected.
UAE Airlines Unaffected, but Congestion Possible
UAE-based carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia, are not directly impacted by the ban since it only applies to Indian airlines. However, industry experts warn that increased air traffic congestion and rescheduling at Indian airports could cause indirect delays.
Passenger Concerns: Longer Flights, Potential Fare Hikes
Travel agents in the UAE say Indian travellers could face extended flight durations and possible fare increases if the airspace closure persists.
- Waseem Rahmani of Orient Travels noted that Indian airlines would bear the brunt of the disruptions, leading to longer flights and higher fuel costs.
- Safeer Mohammed of Smart Travels, however, believes fares may not rise immediately, as airlines prioritize national needs over profits in the short term.
- Bharath Aidasani of Pluto Travels highlighted that North Indian destinations like Delhi, Amritsar, and Srinagar would see the most significant delays, with flights taking 15-30 minutes longer.
Echoes of 2019 Airspace Shutdown
This is not the first time geopolitical tensions have disrupted air travel in the region. In 2019, Pakistan shut its airspace for nearly five months after the Pulwama attack, affecting over 400 daily flights. During that period, UAE-India flights on Indian carriers faced delays of 60-90 minutes, with some routes suspended or rerouted.
Advice for Travellers
Passengers flying to India from the UAE in the coming days are advised to:
- Check with their airlines for real-time updates.
- Be prepared for possible delays and longer flight times.
- Monitor fare trends if booking last-minute tickets.
While airlines are expected to manage rerouting efficiently, the situation remains fluid, and further developments could impact travel plans.
—With inputs from travel industry experts