In an official statement, the carrier outlined the necessity for significant schedule adjustments across a substantial portion of its international network. "With the same restrictions and limited rerouting options, unfortunately, Almaty and Tashkent are outside the operational range of IndiGo’s current fleet. Hence, flights to Almaty stand cancelled from 27th of April until at least 7th of May and to Tashkent from 28th of April until 7th May 2025," the statement detailed, highlighting the operational challenges posed by the airspace closure.
Earlier on the same day, IndiGo (6E) had taken to social media platform X to inform passengers that several international flights would be impacted by Pakistan’s unexpected airspace closure.
The airline assured its affected customers that its dedicated teams were "working diligently to assess the situation and assist impacted customers with the best possible alternatives." IndiGo further stated its commitment to "closely monitor the situation following the sudden airspace closure by Pakistan."
Passenger Assistance and Rebooking Options
IndiGo (6E) acknowledged that this unforeseen development would inevitably disrupt the travel plans of a significant number of its passengers. The airline has urged all affected travelers to visit its official website to explore the available flexible rebooking options or to initiate claims for refunds, based on their individual preferences and travel requirements.
Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Airspace Closure
The closure of Pakistani airspace is a direct consequence of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This surge in diplomatic strain follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 casualties. In response to this tragic event, India implemented a series of retaliatory measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the expulsion of Pakistan’s military attachés stationed in India, and the shutdown of the Attari land-transit post. Pakistan's decision to close its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspend the Shimla agreement is a direct countermeasure to these actions.
Operational and Financial Implications for Airlines
Airspace closures of this nature typically compel airlines to undertake significantly longer flight routes to circumvent the restricted zones. This unavoidable rerouting leads to a substantial increase in fuel consumption, which is a major operational cost for airlines. The current situation bears a stark resemblance to the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, during which similar airspace restrictions were imposed, leading to considerable financial strain on airlines due to the extended flight times and increased fuel burn.
The duration of the current airspace restrictions remains uncertain and will likely depend on future diplomatic developments and the trajectory of relations between the two neighboring nations. IndiGo (6E) has committed to providing continuous updates to affected passengers as the situation evolves and is actively working to mitigate disruptions across its extensive international network.
For passengers holding bookings on the potentially affected international routes, IndiGo (6E) strongly advises them to regularly check their flight status through the airline's official channels and to contact customer service for personalized assistance with alternative travel arrangements. The airline is striving to minimize inconvenience during this period of geopolitical instability and airspace limitations.