Iran War Compounds Pakistan Ban Misery for Indian Airlines
The ongoing war involving Iran has severely disrupted Indian airlines, already burdened by Pakistan’s airspace closure since last year. Major carriers like Air India and IndiGo face rerouting challenges, massive cancellations, and soaring operational costs as key Middle East corridors become inaccessible. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/us-troop-wounded-in-iran-war-surge-to-150-pentagon-confirms-140/ Double Whammy on Routes Indian airlines previously relied on Pakistani and Middle Eastern airspace for efficient flights to Europe, the US, and the Gulf. With Pakistan’s ban in place since April last year, the Iran conflict has shut down additional paths over Iran, Iraq, and nearby nations. This forces detours via Africa or extended stopovers, adding up to two hours or more to journeys. In the past 10 days, 64% of 1,230 scheduled flights to these regions were not operated, per Cirium data. Rising Costs and Cancellations Longer routes mean higher fuel consumption amid spiked oil prices from the war. Incidents include an IndiGo Delhi-Manchester flight returning after 13 hours due to airspace denial over Eritrea, and Air India adding stops like Rome on Delhi-New York services, stretching travel to 22 hours from 17. Experts describe it as a “double whammy,” with HSBC warning of a significant profitability burden. Air India had already projected a $600 million annual loss from the Pakistan ban alone. Airlines are adjusting by adding select flights, but overall disruptions threaten further strain on an already challenged sector.