Fri May 02 11:07:40 UTC 2025: ## International Airlines Circumvent Pakistani Airspace, Costing Millions

**New Delhi, May 25, 2025** – Geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan are causing significant disruptions and financial losses for airlines worldwide. Following a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India banned Pakistani flights from its airspace, prompting Pakistan to reciprocate. This has led to a situation where not only Indian carriers, but also many major European airlines, are voluntarily avoiding Pakistani airspace, adding considerable flight times and costs.

Lufthansa, British Airways, Swiss, Air France, ITA Airways, and LOT Polish Airlines are among the European carriers choosing alternative routes, resulting in approximately one-hour longer flight times between Europe and India. This increase in flight duration translates to higher fuel consumption and operational expenses. These costs may ultimately be passed on to passengers, although the timing remains uncertain.

The financial impact on airlines is substantial. Air India alone estimates potential annual losses of $600 million due to the inability to utilize Pakistani airspace. The Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation (CAPA) estimates that Indian carriers are incurring extra expenses of $70-80 million per month.

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority is also facing significant revenue losses from overflight fees, potentially hundreds of millions of dollars annually. A similar airspace closure following the 2019 Balakot airstrike cost Pakistan at least $100 million over five months.

Indian airlines have already submitted reports to the civil aviation ministry detailing the financial impact of the airspace closure, with Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet among those providing input. The situation highlights a lose-lose scenario for Pakistan, where heightened tensions with India result in considerable economic losses for its aviation sector.

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