The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an important guideline for Indian airlines, which will apply especially to flights from North India, especially Delhi, to western countries. This decision has been taken after Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian aircraft. DGCA has requested airlines to ensure proper communication system and in-flight catering services for passengers.
Pakistan has closed its airspace for Indian airlines, resulting in increased time of international flights. Captain Shweta Singh, Chief Flight Operations Inspector of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued an advisory, stating the need for airlines to inform passengers about changes in flight route, longer flight duration and halts for possible refueling or crew change. This advice also clarifies that passengers will normally remain in the aircraft during these stops.
Effect of closure of Pakistan's airspace
Pakistan has recently closed its airspace for Indian airlines, resulting in flights from Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Lucknow to UAE, Central Asia, West Asia, Europe, UK and North America taking a longer route. Now these flights will go over the Arabian Sea near Mumbai and Ahmedabad in the direction of Muscat, and then move towards their final destination.
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According to the pilots, they are currently facing strong adverse winds, which were previously avoided by the Hindukush route. This new route has increased the flight time, leading to increased fuel consumption and operating costs. Indian airlines also faced similar challenges after the Balakot airstrike in 2019, when Pakistan closed its airspace, resulting in a loss of about Rs 700 crore to the airlines.
What will change for passengers?
As per DGCA's instructions, airlines will have to prepare to provide some essential facilities to the passengers.
At the time of check-in, passengers will have to be provided clear information about the long route of the flight and the possible stopovers.
If passengers miss their next connecting flight due to a long flight, airlines are required to establish proper protocols for this.
If the flight is delayed beyond the scheduled time, it will also be the responsibility of the airlines to compensate the passengers.
Airfares for new bookings may increase by 30-40%, which may put an additional financial burden on passengers due to longer routes.
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Affected airlines and destinations
This change will affect major Indian airlines like Air India Group, Indigo and SpiceJet, which operate flights westwards from Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Lucknow. The affected destinations include UAE, Central Asia, West Asia, Europe, United Kingdom and North America.
Objective of DGCA
This decision of DGCA has been taken with the aim of promoting passenger convenience and transparency. It has been made clear in the advice that airlines should give priority to passenger assistance in times of unexpected disruptions. Additionally, DGCA has requested airlines to take all necessary measures to smoothen flight operations and minimize inconveniences to passengers.
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