Both India and Pakistan have now blocked each other’s airlines from using their airspace. The step was first taken by Pakistan, following the escalating tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack. While Pakistan may have thought that it was pressurising/ harming India by closing its airspace, the reality is that this move is going to affect Pakistan only. It is going to have direct impact on Pakistan’s economy and the air travel fares of the locals there. Moreover, India’s decision of closing its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, from April 30 to May 23 is going to impact it (Pakistan) severely. India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday, confirming the airspace closure.
How Will It Impact Pakistan?
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been using India’s airspace to reach South East Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. And, in view of the decision taken by India, the PIA will have to fly from a very long distance. Now, Pakistan will again have to take the route of Sri Lanka and China to go to different countries.
Airlines have to pay fees amounting to hundreds of dollars each time they pass through the airspace of another country. The fee includes overflight and navigation fees for all flights along with terminal navigation, landing, and parking charges.
According to various reports, Pakistan suffered a loss of nearly $100 million in 2019 when it closed its airspace for approximately five months in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot airstrikes. Pakistani Civil Aviation Authority and Pakistan International Airlines experienced heavy losses as around 400 flights were reportedly affected.
The longer routes raise financial toll, as the increased flight duration and rerouting lead to consumption of more fuel and higher operational costs. This implies that for Pakistan, to take longer route via China to reach other countries will cost more and impact financially.
It is worth noting that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had banned Pakistan International Airlines from flying to Europe on June 30, 2020 due to safety reasons. However, after more than four months, it was restored on November 29, 2024.
As India has closed its airspace, now people going to South East Asian countries like Kuala Lumpur etc. will have to go via the airspace of Sri Lanka and China due to which the airline expenses and fares will increase even more. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan’s financial situation is already bad.
Notably, other than this India has taken a raft of measures against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. The measures include holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari along with curtailing the strength of High Commissions.
