Global Airlines Return to Pakistani Skies, Indian Carriers Suffer Billions in Losses

• All international carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, and Swiss Air have resumed normal flight routes over Pakistan
• Air France, continues to bypass Pakistan, due to its own internal security protocols.
• Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian flights for another month.

Pakistani airspace is buzzing again. International carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, and Swiss Air have resumed normal flight routes over Pakistan following the recent ceasefire with India. But while the skies are clear, Air France remains an exception — still rerouting its flights and burning millions in extra fuel costs.

During the cross-border tensions earlier this month, many global airlines diverted their flights to avoid Pakistani airspace. Flights to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai were rerouted, leading to longer travel times and soaring operational costs.

Now, with calm restored, most airlines have returned — except Air France, which continues to bypass Pakistan, reportedly due to its own internal security protocols. Aviation insiders say the French carrier has racked up massive losses from fuel expenses alone.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian flights for another month. Islamabad’s move follows India’s continued closure of its airspace to Pakistani flights since April 23. The tit-for-tat restrictions came after India launched unprovoked strikes on Pakistani cities on May 6 and 7 — triggering Pakistan’s retaliatory Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

The airspace closure has caused major financial setbacks for Indian airlines, with losses exceeding ₹800 crore in just a month. The rerouting of flights due to the closure has led to longer travel times and increased fuel usage, pushing operational costs even higher. Experts estimate that the additional fuel expenses alone have already reached approximately ₹500 crore.

While Indian airlines face mounting financial setbacks from disrupted eastbound routes, Pakistan’s aviation sector remains largely unaffected. With limited Far East operations, it has taken the hit with minimal disruption.