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Context:

India restricts airspace for Pakistan-linked flights via new NOTAM due to strategic concerns.

About Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM)

A Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM), previously called a Notice to Airmen, is an alert issued by a country’s aviation authority to inform pilots and airlines about changes or hazards that could affect flight safety.

It ensures pilots have the latest information to make safe flying decisions. For example, a NOTAM might warn about:

• A closed runway at an airport.
• Military exercises restricting certain airspace.
• A tall crane was temporarily erected near an airfield.
• A malfunctioning navigation aid, like a radio beacon.
• Events like air shows or parachute jumps that could create hazards.
• VIP flights, such as those carrying heads of state, which might restrict airspace.

NOTAMs use concise, coded language to convey information clearly. Pilots access them through online platforms, flight planning apps, or aviation weather services. Checking NOTAMs before a flight is mandatory because ignoring them can lead to dangerous situations for the aircraft, crew, and passengers.

India issued a NOTAM, announcing that its airspace is closed to all Pakistan-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including commercial airlines and military flights. This restriction, effective from April 30 to May 23, 2025, means no Pakistani aircraft can fly over Indian territory during this period.

Impact of the Airspace Closure

Pakistan’s airspace closure forces Indian airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet to reroute flights, especially those heading to Europe, the Middle East, and North America. These routes cross Pakistani airspace, but now planes must take longer paths, leading to:

• Higher Fuel Costs: Rerouting increases fuel consumption, adding an estimated ₹77 crore ($9.3 million) in weekly expenses for Indian airlines operating from northern cities like Delhi. Monthly costs could reach ₹307 crore ($37 million).
• Longer Flight Times: Flights like San Francisco to Delhi now take up to four hours longer due to extra fuel stops or detours.
• Financial Losses: Air India estimates losses of $600 million over a year if the ban persists, as it operates many long-haul flights. The airline has asked the Indian government for subsidies to offset these costs.
• Increased Fares: Rerouting and higher costs may lead to 8–12% higher airfares for passengers.

Source: 

ONEINDIA