Regional aviation planning took an unexpected turn on 27 October when Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing a three-hour daily closure of central airspace between 28–29 October (06:00–09:00 PKT). The restriction coincides with large-scale ‘Western Shakti’ air-defence exercises being conducted by the Indian Air Force near the border.
All over-flights departing Indian airports for Europe, the Gulf and North America that normally transit Lahore or Karachi FIRs must reroute via Muscat or Tehran, adding up to 25 minutes flight time and an estimated US$6,000 in extra fuel per wide-body sector. Indian carriers IndiGo, Air India and Vistara have already filed amended flight plans; passengers on services to London, Frankfurt and Toronto have been advised to expect delays.
The reciprocal dynamic underscores the fragile nature of South-Asian over-flight rights. Airlines had only just returned to pre-pandemic routeings after Russia-related airspace bans pushed many carriers into Pakistan corridors. A further complication is crew-duty limitations: some ultra-long-haul sectors may now require augmented staffing or a technical halt.
Travel risk consultants recommend that corporates factor in longer connection buffers this week and monitor for further NOTAMs, as Pakistan hinted closures could extend if exercises intensify. Cargo operators moving perishable goods are particularly exposed; forwarders are seeking temperature-controlled truck alternatives via the UAE for high-value pharmaceuticals originating in Hyderabad.
Indian officials have not publicly commented, but aviation analysts view the short duration as a calibrated move that signals displeasure without triggering a full closure similar to the 2019 Balakot episode.
All over-flights departing Indian airports for Europe, the Gulf and North America that normally transit Lahore or Karachi FIRs must reroute via Muscat or Tehran, adding up to 25 minutes flight time and an estimated US$6,000 in extra fuel per wide-body sector. Indian carriers IndiGo, Air India and Vistara have already filed amended flight plans; passengers on services to London, Frankfurt and Toronto have been advised to expect delays.
The reciprocal dynamic underscores the fragile nature of South-Asian over-flight rights. Airlines had only just returned to pre-pandemic routeings after Russia-related airspace bans pushed many carriers into Pakistan corridors. A further complication is crew-duty limitations: some ultra-long-haul sectors may now require augmented staffing or a technical halt.
Travel risk consultants recommend that corporates factor in longer connection buffers this week and monitor for further NOTAMs, as Pakistan hinted closures could extend if exercises intensify. Cargo operators moving perishable goods are particularly exposed; forwarders are seeking temperature-controlled truck alternatives via the UAE for high-value pharmaceuticals originating in Hyderabad.
Indian officials have not publicly commented, but aviation analysts view the short duration as a calibrated move that signals displeasure without triggering a full closure similar to the 2019 Balakot episode.
