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Iran war deals double blow to Indian airlines already hit by Pakistan airspace ban
Indian carriers face up to 4-hour longer flights and $8.75 billion weekly losses due to Middle East airspace closures and Pakistan’s ban on their airspace, industry experts say.
- On March 10, Reuters reported Middle East airspace restrictions amid the Iran war have dealt another blow to Indian airlines, which face limited options after Pakistan banned their carriers last year.
- With Pakistani, Iranian, Omani and Emirati airspaces shut, IndiGo’s six Boeing long-range jets leased from Norse Atlantic Airways must follow an European Union Aviation Safety Agency advisory, forcing longer Africa routings.
- Cancellations and fuel spikes have hit Indian airlines hard, with over 1,600 flights canceled between 28 February and 3 March and aviation turbine fuel prices rising from $85–$90 to $150–$200 per barrel.
- To offset rising costs, Air India will levy Rs 400 surcharge from 12 March and up to Rs 18,000 on some international fares, passing operational cost increases to passengers.
- With sector losses already mounting, industry experts estimate a $8.75 billion weekly impact while HSBC warns seven days of cancellations could cut 1.2% off profit, as ICRA forecasts wider Rs 170–180 billion losses in 2025–2026.
12 Articles
12 Articles
West Asia crisis | Iran war deals double blow to Indian airlines already hit by Pakistan airspace ban
Indian airlines: Iran war airspace curbs disrupt Air India and IndiGo flights already affected by Pakistan airspace ban. Longer routes, cancellations and higher fuel costs hit schedules to Europe and the US as Middle East conflict escalates.
Iran war deals double blow to Indian airlines already hit by Pakistan airspace ban
Airspace restrictions in the Middle East amid the Iran war have dealt another blow to Indian airlines, which count the region as a crucial corridor for flights to Europe and the U.S. since Pakistan banned Indian carriers from its airspace last year.
Iran war, Pakistan ban squeeze Indian airlines
Indian airlines are facing growing operational and financial pressure as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts key flight routes while Pakistan’s airspace ban continues to restrict travel options. The war in the Middle East has forced airlines worldwide to reconsider flight paths due to safety concerns and temporary airspace closures across several countries in the region. For Indian carriers, the situation has become particularly difficult …
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