Picture Credits: SpiceJet
New Delhi, INDIA: Amid recent airspace closures impacting international routes across South Asia, Indian airlines have submitted operational feedback to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, outlining the challenges and potential solutions for maintaining safe and efficient operations.
Airspace Disruptions: An Overview
The current disruptions follow escalating geopolitical tensions in parts of the region, which have led to the issuance of NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) and partial airspace restrictions, particularly near India’s western borders. These restrictions have had a direct impact on several long-haul international flights operating to and from India.
Flight paths to Europe, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East are now being rerouted, resulting in longer flight durations, increased fuel consumption, and tighter crew duty schedules.
Airline Responses and Industry Feedback
Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have collectively expressed concern over operational delays and rising costs. As reported by The Economic Times on May 5, airlines have reached out to DGCA with technical and logistical feedback aimed at mitigating disruptions.
Key points highlighted in their submissions include:
Fuel and Operational Costs: Airlines are reporting increased fuel burn due to longer routes, with some Europe-bound flights now requiring up to 45 additional minutes in the air. This has a direct effect on operating margins, especially for routes with narrow profitability buffers.
Crew Duty Timings: Extended flight durations are complicating crew rostering. Airlines have requested that the DGCA consider temporary adjustments or flexibilities within duty time regulations, ensuring compliance while accommodating rerouted operations.
Air Traffic Coordination: Rerouted flights now traverse alternate Flight Information Regions (FIRs). Indian carriers have stressed the need for enhanced coordination with regional ATC authorities to avoid bottlenecks and ensure flight safety.
Passenger Communications: Delays and schedule changes have led airlines to seek guidance on standardised communication to passengers, especially for flights facing recurring disruptions.
DGCA’s Monitoring and Next Steps
The DGCA, in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is currently reviewing the inputs. A dedicated monitoring team has been activated to track developments in real time, and officials are in ongoing discussions with counterparts from neighbouring countries and international aviation authorities.
The aviation regulator is assessing contingency routes and seeking ICAO’s guidance where required. While safety remains the top priority, authorities are reportedly working to minimise the economic impact on airlines.
Historical Context and Operational Implications
This is not the first time Indian aviation has faced challenges due to restricted airspace. Similar disruptions occurred in 2019 following a period of heightened cross-border tensions, which also forced carriers to reroute over extended periods.
However, current circumstances affect a broader stretch of airspace and involve a larger number of international sectors. Cargo flights and aircraft on ferry missions are also facing increased block times and approval delays for alternate routings.
Industry analysts note that the situation underscores the need for robust regional aviation diplomacy and pre-approved contingency corridors. Enhancing bilateral ATC coordination and investing in real-time route planning technologies are being viewed as long-term priorities.
For now, Indian airlines continue to adapt their operations daily, balancing compliance, cost efficiency, and service reliability.
