Air India (AI, Delhi International) has approached the Indian federal government over financial compensation for its losses due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, Reuters has reported, citing the carrier's letter. The airline estimates it could lose over INR50 billion rupees (USD590 million) per year if the closure persists.
The airline has asked for a "subsidy model" proportional to the losses it suffers. The aid would be in place only as long as Pakistani airspace remains closed. It did not respond to ch-aviation's request for comment.
After Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian aircraft on April 24, 2025, Air India was forced to reroute its services to Europe and North America to bypass the country. This adds substantial flight time and forces the airline to add fuel stops at Copenhagen Kastrup and Vienna airports on its flights to and from North America (excluding Vancouver International and San Francisco, which are served via Pacific routes). The carrier said that, besides additional fuel stops, the longer flights are also costly due to crew requirements.
To partially offset the complications, the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has temporarily allowed the flag carrier to extend pilot duty hours and rest periods on long-haul flights. According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, the exemption is currently valid for two weeks until mid-May 2025. This is considered a stopgap measure as the regulator ponders a long-term solution to the issue.
While IndiGo Airlines is also affected by the closure, the impact is far smaller as the low-cost carrier does not serve Europe beyond Istanbul Airport or North America.
