International flights departing from Delhi and other northern cities are expected to experience longer travel durations, with airfares likely to increase by approximately 8–12% in the short term. This disruption comes in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In response, Pakistan has imposed restrictions on the use of its airspace for Indian carriers, significantly impacting flight operations. Major Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have been forced to reroute several international flights to Europe, North America, the UK, and the Middle East, resulting in increased operational costs due to longer flight paths and higher fuel consumption.
Airlines have issued advisories to passengers, warning of potential delays and urging them to stay updated through official channels. Air India has highlighted that passengers may experience delays and changes in flight schedules, while IndiGo has also urged travelers to monitor their bookings and plan accordingly. SpiceJet, in an effort to ease passenger inconvenience, has announced free cancellations and rescheduling for flights to and from Srinagar until April 30, 2025, applicable to bookings made on or before April 22. The airline is also operating an additional flight from Srinagar to Delhi to accommodate stranded passengers.
The rerouting is not only expected to affect passenger travel but also cargo operations, adding further strain to the aviation sector, which is still recovering from pandemic-related setbacks. While foreign airlines have not been significantly affected and continue to operate normally, Indian carriers are facing substantial logistical and financial challenges. Industry experts believe that if the airspace restrictions persist, the cumulative impact could be considerable, both in terms of costs and passenger experience.
