Pakistan airspace shutdown to hit India-Europe, India-US flights; fares may climb, airlines issue advisories

In the wake of heightened tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan on Thursday shut its airspace for Indian airlines — a move that could significantly disrupt international travel and push up ticket prices.

Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa are now recalibrating their international operations. Routes to countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Denmark, UAE, and Qatar will now be longer, with some flights expected to take up to 2.5 hours extra, as IANS reported.

Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo issues travel advisory

“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority,” the airline said in a post on X.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused…

— Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025

Meanwhile, IndiGo said in a post on X that the sudden closure of Pakistan’s airspace is affecting “a few of our international flights.”

SpiceJet also shared an update: “Our flights to the UAE from North India will operate via alternate routes. As a result, these flights will carry additional fuel to account for the longer flying time. There is no significant impact on our flight schedules.”

Pakistan warns of ‘act of war’ over Indus Waters Treaty 

Escalating tensions after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on Thursday issued a strong warning to India, stating that any attempt to divert water meant for it under the Indus Waters Treaty will be considered an “act of war”.

The warning came after India announced a slew of retaliatory measures — suspending the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties, expelling Pakistani military attachés, and closing the Attari land transit post — following revelations of cross-border links to the Jammu and Kashmir terror attack that killed 26 people.

Reacting sharply, Pakistan blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, shut the Wagah border crossing, and suspended all bilateral trade — including trade via third countries. Visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme were also halted for Indian citizens, barring Sikh pilgrims.

“Any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and to the security of its people will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains. India should refrain from its reflexive blame game and cynical staged, managed exploitation of incidents like Pahalgam to further its narrow political agenda. Such tactics serve only to inflame tensions and obstruct the path to peace and stability in the region,” a statement released after Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) meeting said.

Reaffirming the significance of the Indus Water Treaty for the country, Pakistan said it is vital for 240 million people.

“Any attempt to divert or stop water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty will be considered an act of War,” the statement reiterated.

Meanwhile, India suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect from April 27. In a further diplomatic snub, Pakistan has asked military advisers at the Indian High Commission to leave the country by April 30.