Following Pakistan’s decision to block its airspace, Indian airlines have faced significant disruptions. In response, the Indian government is exploring alternate flight routes to reduce the impact of these restrictions. The airspace standoff, which stems from escalating tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack, has led both countries to close off their skies to one another. To tackle the issue, senior officials from India’s aviation sector and airlines are meeting to work out ways to ease congestion in the western skies and identify substitute flight corridors. As per a report by The Economic Times, discussions are underway to find practical solutions. In addition, India is pondering taking the matter to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), arguing that Pakistan’s move violates the 1944 Convention on Civil Aviation. Since the closure, Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo have had to reroute many flights, increasing fuel costs and longer travel times.

A source told The Economic Times that officials from the defence, external affairs, and civil aviation ministries met last week to explore alternative routes. They instructed airlines to assess the feasibility of a new flight path, where planes from Delhi could fly north of Leh, pass over the Hind Kush mountains, and enter Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan before heading to Europe or North America. This route would allow India to avoid flying over Pakistan and Afghanistan. In 2021, Air India started using a route called Papa 500, which required flying briefly over Pakistani airspace. The proposed alternative involves flying further north and entering Chinese airspace. 

A government official familiar with the plan told The Economic Times, “Airlines have been asked to assess whether the route is feasible, after which the government can approach China for permission. This could provide direct access to Europe and the USA without requiring a halt.”

With Pakistani airspace now closed, flights from northern India to Europe and North America are rerouted southward, flying near Ahmedabad before crossing the Arabian Sea and heading toward Muscat to their final destinations. IndiGo mentioned that its flights to Central Asia have been suspended, while Air India has had to add a stopover for its U.S.-bound flights. During a recent meeting, airline representatives raised concerns that the new route would demand special high-altitude training for the crew and require aircraft to carry more than 22 minutes of oxygen due to the elevated terrain.

 “Air India will have to do a safety feasibility study and fit extra oxygen in the planes for flying the routes. It is a very complex operation, and it will not be allowed without ensuring 100% safety,” as per the government source.