Indian airlines mull Hindu Kush reroute as Pakistan closes airspace after terror attack

Indian airlines mull Hindu Kush reroute as Pakistan closes airspace after terror attackIn the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead, tensions between India and Pakistan have spilt into the aviation sector, directly affecting international flyers.

As Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian carriers citing the reason of ‘national security’, major Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo are now exploring an alternate and far more challenging route. Recently a high-level meeting was convened by the defence, external affairs, and civil aviation ministry to discuss alternate routes to decongest the western airspace, reports Economic Times.

Post this meeting major Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, are now evaluating the feasibility of rerouting flights over the rugged Hindu Kush mountain range. This route adjustment is not just about geopolitics; it is about ensuring passenger safety while keeping flights operational amid strained regional relations.

Challenges faced due to re-routing

The proposed route would require flights departing Delhi to travel north of Leh and then cross over Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to reach Europe or North America, bypassing Pakistani and Afghan airspace entirely.

However, this comes with serious operational challenges. Over the Hindu Kush, aircraft are forced to maintain high altitudes for extended periods.

In the rare event of cabin depressurisation, aircraft must descend rapidly to 10,000 feet, something most commercial planes are equipped to do with 12–15 minutes of onboard oxygen.

But over the Hindu Kush, such a descent could take 25–30 minutes due to the mountainous terrain. Some of Air India’s older Boeing 777 aircraft are fitted with additional oxygen tanks for such scenarios. However, newer 777s leased by the airline reportedly lack this configuration, posing an added safety and operational concern.

Impact on operations

Since April 24, flights to and from Europe and the US have been facing delays, extended flight times, and increased fuel consumption. Airlines have also had to add fuel stops in cities like Vienna and Copenhagen. These diversions mean higher costs, longer journeys, and additional burdens on crew scheduling.

Before the closure, Indian carriers operated about 100 flights per day through Pakistani airspace, adding up to nearly 800 international flights a week. This included routes operated by Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air.

In response to Pakistan's airspace closure, India has reciprocated by banning Pakistani airlines from its airspace until May 23. This mutual airspace restriction has further strained the aviation operations between the two countries.

The current airspace blockade underscores how geopolitical tensions can have ripple effects on everyday travellers. From increased ticket prices to longer journeys and heightened safety considerations, Indian flyers are feeling the impact.

As tensions persist, airlines are compelled to adapt swiftly to ensure passenger safety and maintain operational efficiency. The exploration of alternative routes, such as the one over the Hindu Kush, exemplifies the industry's resilience and commitment to navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.