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Air India, Indigo reroute flights after Pakistan closes airspace
The closure comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir on Apr.22.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 26, Apr 2025
- 03:20 EDT
- 461
Stock image. / Wikipedia
Air India has begun rerouting several of its international flights after Pakistan imposed an airspace ban on Indian carriers, a move that has disrupted operations and raised concerns over travel delays and increased fuel costs.
“Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route,” the airline said in a post on X.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
— Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025
Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused…
The closure comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir on Apr.22. Gunmen killed 26 people in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir. India has accused Pakistani elements of being behind the attack, a claim Pakistan has firmly denied.
In retaliation, New Delhi suspended a key river water-sharing treaty with Pakistan, while Islamabad responded by shutting its airspace to Indian carriers. The ban does not apply to international airlines, which continue to operate as usual over Pakistani airspace.
IndiGo also impacted
IndiGo also confirmed disruptions. “Due to airspace closure by Pakistan, a few of our international flights continue to be impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and assist impacted customers with the best possible alternatives,” the airline posted on X.
#6ETravelAdvisory: We’re closely monitoring the situation following the sudden airspace closure by Pakistan. Some of our international flights remain impacted. Please check your flight status https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV and rebooking options https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP. pic.twitter.com/ya6WlSS4EM
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 25, 2025
The airline added that “This sudden announcement is beyond our control and we sincerely regret the disruption it may have caused to your travel plans. If your flight is impacted, we encourage you to visit our website to explore flexible rebooking options or claim a refund as per your preference.”
While neither airline has released a list of affected routes, aviation analysts say flights to Europe, North America, and the Gulf are likely to experience the most significant delays. The new routes could add hours of flying time and strain airline schedules already stretched by summer travel demand.
The duration of Pakistan’s airspace closure remains unclear.
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