Lahore:
Pakistan continued to closure of the airspace for Indian airlines and freight services for the 22nd consecutive day, aeronautical sources said on Saturday, following increasing tensions following the pahalgam incident and wider hostilities in India-Pakistan.
The ban, imposed almost three weeks ago, led to major operational and financial setbacks for Indian carriers. The initiates of aviation estimate the losses for India at more than 5 billion rupees due to the reached costs, longer flight durations and suspended freight operations.
Indian passenger airlines, including long-haul carriers operating flights to Europe, the United States, Canada and other Western destinations are among the most seriously affected.
“Flights must now take much longer routes, adding between 2.5 and 3 hours to their total journey time,” said a senior aviation official.
The freight sector has also been affected, with freight services to India, delays and higher fuel and logistics costs due to current restrictions.
