New Mumbai ATC route over Arabian Sea eases pressure; Rajkot airport now 24x7

Pakistan’s recent closure of its airspace to all Indian airlines, following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, has caused significant disruption to international flight operations originating from northern India.

Flights that previously traversed Pakistani airspace en route to Europe, North America, and the Middle East now have to take longer detours over the Arabian Sea, adding up to 2 to 2.5 hours to flight durations on some long-haul routes. For instance, IndiGo’s Delhi-Baku flight now takes approximately 80 to 90 minutes longer due to the rerouting over Gujarat and the Arabian Sea.

This extension in flight times has led to increased fuel consumption and operational costs for airlines, as they must carry additional fuel, which also reduces payload capacity for passengers and cargo. Industry experts estimate that these factors could cause airfares on affected routes to rise by 8 to 12 per cent in the short term, with the possibility of further increases if the airspace remains closed.

Air India and IndiGo have been among the most affected carriers. Air India, which operates the largest number of long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights to the West, announced that its flights to and from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East will now follow alternative extended routes. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers but emphasised that safety remains its top priority.

IndiGo, facing challenges on around 50 international routes, has suspended flights to Kazakhstan’s Almaty and Uzbekistan’s Tashkent until at least 7 May 2025, as these destinations have become unreachable within the operational range of its Airbus A320 fleet due to the longer distances.

The airline also indicated that some international routes may undergo schedule adjustments and assured customers that it is exploring all options to minimise disruptions.

The rerouting has placed additional pressure on Mumbai Air Traffic Control (ATC), which now manages approximately 120 extra flights daily. Flights from northern India, which would typically overfly Pakistani cities like Lahore and Karachi, are rerouted southwards via Gujarat and Maharashtra before turning right over the Arabian Sea towards their destinations in the West.

This has led to increased congestion in Mumbai’s airspace, especially during night hours. To handle the surge, Mumbai ATC has deployed additional radar controllers and staff in its oceanic department and established new narrow corridors, including a route directing flights towards Muscat. An ATC official noted that overflying traffic has notably increased, requiring enhanced coordination and workload management.

In response to operational challenges, Rajkot International Airport has upgraded to 24/7 operations to accommodate emergency and technical landings necessitated by the longer flight routes.

Previously operating on limited hours, Rajkot now supports airlines with round-the-clock facilities for technical and medical stops, helping to reduce delays and maintain continuity amid the airspace restrictions.

The extended detours and operational challenges are expected to push up airfares on affected routes by 8 to 12 per cent, although the exact increase will become clearer after airlines have assessed their rising costs over the coming week or so.

Tour operators have noted that passengers who booked tickets prior to the closure will not face additional charges immediately, but new bookings are likely to reflect the higher operational expenses.

This situation recalls the 2019 closure of Pakistani airspace following the Pulwama attack and the Balakot airstrikes, which had cost Indian airlines approximately Rs 700 crore due to increased fuel consumption and logistical complications.

The closure is anticipated to remain in effect until at least 23 May 2025, prolonging operational difficulties for Indian carriers. Flights already en route at the time of the closure, such as those from San Francisco and London, were diverted to alternate airports like Copenhagen and locations in the Middle East, causing significant delays and passenger inconvenience. Airlines are also adjusting schedules, with some flights requiring refuelling stops depending on daily wind conditions and aircraft load.

Overall, this airspace closure presents a substantial challenge to Indian aviation, affecting scheduling, fuel planning, crew deployment, and operational efficiency.

Passengers should prepare for longer travel times, possible schedule changes, and increased ticket prices as the industry adapts to these geopolitical developments. Airports like Mumbai and Rajkot are swiftly adjusting their operations to manage the increased traffic and maintain safety standards amid these disruptions.