Despite truce, Pak airspace remains off-limits to India

Pakistan has continued its airspace closure for Indian airlines and cargo services for the 22nd consecutive day, aviation sources said on Saturday, in the wake of rising tensions following the Pahalgam incident and broader India-Pakistan hostilities.

The ban, imposed nearly three weeks ago, has resulted in significant operational and financial setbacks for Indian carriers. Aviation insiders estimate the losses to India at over Rs5 billion due to rerouting costs, longer flight durations and suspended cargo operations.

Indian passenger airlines, including long-haul carriers operating flights to Europe, the United States, Canada and other Western destinations, are among the most severely affected.

"Flights now have to take significantly longer routes, adding between 2.5 to 3 hours to their total journey time," a senior aviation official said.

The cargo sector has also been hit, with freight services to and from India facing delays and higher fuel and logistical costs due to the ongoing restrictions.