Overview

• Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines until May 23, citing heightened bilateral tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
• Indian carriers are rerouting flights to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, resulting in longer travel times and increased operational costs.
• The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry, led by K. Rammohan Naidu, is assessing the situation and working with airlines to mitigate disruptions and ensure passenger safety.
• Airlines project an 8–12% rise in airfares due to higher fuel consumption and route adjustments, with some routes temporarily suspended until May 7.
• This closure mirrors a similar 2019 ban, which caused significant financial losses for Indian carriers, highlighting ongoing economic and logistical challenges.