Pakistan faces another setback. Following Pakistan's closure of its airspace to India, two major international airlines have now turned away from using its routes. These airlines have stated that they will opt for alternate routes to ensure passenger safety and timely arrival.
According to a Reuters report, French and German carriers, Air France and Lufthansa, have decided against using Pakistani airspace, halting operations in the region amid India-Pakistan tensions. The report further mentions a growing trend of international airlines avoiding these routes, noting that Pakistan could incur daily losses of approximately $300,000 due to this airspace closure.
What Did International Airlines Say?
Air France announced that, due to recent tensions between India and Pakistan, they have suspended flights over Pakistan until further notice. Meanwhile, Lufthansa confirmed to Reuters that their aircraft are currently avoiding Pakistani airspace.
Airlines Avoiding Pakistan
Lufthansa indicated that avoiding Pakistani airspace might extend flight durations on some Asian routes. They are closely monitoring the situation to make informed decisions. Flight tracking data reveals that some British Airways, Swiss International, and Emirates flights are diverting northward towards Delhi to bypass Pakistan after crossing the Arabian Sea. However, these airlines have not officially commented.
Extended Routes and Higher Costs
Air France mentioned adjusting its flight schedules and plans for destinations such as Delhi, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh, resulting in longer flight times. According to FlightRadar24 data, a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to New Delhi had to fly an hour longer using an alternate path.
Apart from increased distances and fuel costs, the new flight paths will reduce revenue from overflight fees that Pakistan traditionally garners. As per Reuters, based on aircraft weight and distance covered, these fees could amount to hundreds of dollars per flight.
