Pakistan Airspace Closure Costs Indian Airlines ₹210 Million Daily in Fuel Expenses - Bio Points News

Pakistan Airspace Closure Hits Indian Airlines with ₹210 Million Daily Fuel Loss

Karachi: The ongoing closure of Pakistan’s airspace has turned into a significant financial setback for Indian airlines, which are now incurring nearly ₹210 million (approx. $2.5 million) in additional daily fuel expenses.

📌 Impact on Airlines and Passengers

According to aviation experts, flights from India to destinations in Europe, Canada, the US, and the UK are being forced to take 2-4 hours longer routes to avoid Pakistani airspace. This has led to increased fuel consumption and operational costs.

To avoid lengthy flights, many travelers have started opting for shorter international flights that still pass through Pakistan’s airspace, where allowed, or choosing alternate routes with cheaper travel costs.

📌 Fuel Consumption and Cost Breakdown

A Boeing 777 aircraft consumes approximately 6,668 kilograms of jet fuel per hour, while an Airbus A319, A320, or A321 consumes around 2,400 kilograms per hour.

With the average cost of jet fuel at $0.82 per kilogram in India, a Boeing 777 burns fuel worth $5,467 per hour. If these aircraft spend an extra 100 hours in the air monthly due to rerouting, it adds up to $546,776 in additional fuel expenses.

Similarly, for Airbus models flying 100 extra hours, the added fuel cost stands at $196,000.

📌 Total Daily Loss

Indian airlines operating 100 Boeing and 100 Airbus flights daily are collectively burning an extra $742,776 worth of fuel per day due to two hours of added flight time, translating to around ₹63.5 million — or nearly ₹210 million in Pakistani Rupees.

📌 Possible Further Losses

If this airspace restriction continues, airlines may be forced to make additional stopovers for fuel refills or crew changes at alternative airports, adding even more to their operational expenses.

Aviation analysts warn that prolonged restrictions could lead to route adjustments, increased ticket prices, and logistical challenges for Indian airlines operating on international sectors.