IndiGo Airlines and Air India have issued alerts about possible disruptions to international travel after Pakistan unexpectedly closed its airspace to Indian carriers on April 24. The move, which came amid escalating tensions between the two countries, has forced airlines to reroute several flights, possibly leading to longer journey times.
In a message posted on X, IndiGo said, “We’re closely monitoring the situation following the sudden airspace closure by Pakistan. Some of our international flights remain impacted.”
Air India too flagged potential changes, noting that services to the United States, Europe, and the Middle East could face delays or adjustments.
With Pakistani airspace now off-limits, flights that usually took shorter routes will have to take longer detours. This could mean not just longer travel times, but also possible delays in departures and arrivals. Both airlines have advised passengers to double-check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid last-minute surprises.
While no full list of impacted flights has been released, international travellers heading to or from key destinations are being told to stay updated. Both IndiGo and Air India apologised for the inconvenience and said they are making efforts to minimise disruptions as much as possible.
The airspace shutdown came just hours after India announced a series of diplomatic measures following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people — including civilians and tourists — lost their lives. The incident, described by many as the worst attack on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, has triggered swift retaliation from New Delhi.
Among India’s moves were the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals and steps towards revoking the Indus Waters Treaty, a decades-old agreement that governs water sharing between the two countries. Under the treaty, Pakistan receives nearly 80% of its river water supply. Islamabad has warned that any attempt to alter the treaty would be seen as "an act of war."
It is not immediately clear how long Pakistan’s airspace will remain closed to Indian carriers. If the situation drags on, airlines could face not only operational challenges but also increased fuel costs due to the longer flight paths. Ticket prices for international routes could also inch up if detours become the new normal.
For now, the advice is simple — if you are flying abroad, keep an eye on your airline's updates, check your email and phone notifications, and be prepared for possible changes. Airlines are working to manage the situation, but with geopolitics involved, there might be some rough skies ahead.
