WEBDESK: The ongoing Pakistan airspace closure is hitting Indian airlines hard, leading to major daily financial losses. According to aviation experts, Indian carriers are losing around Rs210 million every day due to the extra fuel costs caused by longer flight routes.
Normally, airlines fly shorter paths over Pakistan to reach destinations in Europe and the Middle East. But with the Pakistan airspace closure, planes are forced to take longer, more expensive routes. A Boeing 777, for example, now burns about 6,668 kilograms of jet fuel per extra hour of flight, costing airlines roughly $5,467 per hour. Similarly, an Airbus A320 consumes 2,400 kilograms of fuel in an hour, adding about $1,948 to the operating costs.
The increased distance means airlines must fly for up to two additional hours, which adds over $742,000 in fuel expenses for just a few extra trips. Aviation sources have calculated that this fuel wastage costs Indian airlines about 63.5 million Indian rupees daily, translating to nearly 210 million Pakistani rupees.
The Pakistan airspace closure is causing not just financial losses but also delays and inconvenience for passengers. Flights that used to take less time are now longer, making travel more tiring and expensive.
With no signs yet of the Pakistan airspace closure being lifted, Indian airlines are under growing pressure to absorb these extra costs or pass them on to customers. Analysts warn that if the situation continues, ticket prices may rise even further, affecting thousands of travellers.
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