Dubai Flights Impacted as India’s Airspace Tensions with Pakistan Force Rerouting of Major Airlines
Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, are facing rising fuel costs and longer travel times as they reroute international flights — including popular routes to Dubai — following Pakistan’s closure of its airspace amid escalating tensions over a deadly attack in Kashmir.
The Indian government has alleged Pakistani involvement in Tuesday’s attack in the Pahalgam region of Indian Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. Pakistan, however, has denied any connection to the incident. In response, the two nuclear-armed neighbors have imposed retaliatory measures, including India suspending a key river water-sharing agreement.
Dubai and Other Destinations Affected by Indian Airlines’ Rerouting
While international airlines operating outside India are largely unaffected, Air India and IndiGo have begun rerouting flights to New York, Baku, and notably, Dubai — typically routes that pass over Pakistani airspace, according to Flightradar24 data.
Dubai, a major hub for Indian travelers and business connections, is one of the key destinations now experiencing longer flight times due to the rerouting.
New Delhi Airport Most Affected
New Delhi, one of the world’s busiest airports and a critical hub for flights to the Middle East, Europe, and North America, is expected to feel the greatest impact. According to Cirium Ascend data, IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have around 1,200 international flights scheduled from New Delhi in April, many of them bound for Dubai and other key global cities.
Increased Costs and Flight Cancellations for Indian Airlines
Aviation experts note that Air India’s flights to Dubai and the broader Middle East could take up to an hour longer, resulting in increased fuel consumption and reduced cargo capacity. Since fuel typically accounts for about 30% of an airline’s operating costs, this change significantly affects profitability.
IndiGo has announced slight adjustments to around 50 international routes and the temporary cancellation of flights to Almaty and Tashkent between April 27 and May 7.
Indian airlines are already grappling with aircraft delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus, further complicating expansion plans.
Operational Challenges for Airlines in India and Dubai
Indian pilots and airline executives shared that the airspace closure is forcing airlines to revise flying hour calculations and reorganize crew schedules. For instance, IndiGo’s flight 6E1803 from New Delhi to Baku on Thursday took nearly 40 minutes longer by avoiding Pakistan’s airspace compared to the previous day.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Pakistan has extended the airspace ban until May 23, raising concerns for the near-term travel industry between India and Dubai. Notably, during a similar closure in 2019, Indian airlines reportedly suffered losses exceeding $64 million.
With Dubai serving as a critical aviation and trade link for India, industry watchers are closely monitoring the situation to gauge further disruptions in flight schedules, tourism, and cargo movements between India and Dubai.
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