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Indian airlines can zoom over Pak sky, save money & time

Following airspace closure, flying time for long-haul flights towards the US increased by 90 minutes, fuel usage also increased

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Indian carriers will now be able to save time and money, with Pakistan opening its airspace on Tuesday, nearly four-and-half months after shutting it down following the Balakot airstrikes.

"Ever since Pakistani airspace was closed, we had to reroute our flights south of Pakistan. Flying time for long haul flights towards the US increased by 90 minutes, fuel usage also increased," said an Air India spokesperson.

Explaining the relief, he added, "As Pakistan airspace is open now, aircraft utilisation will go up while crew requirement will come down by 25%."

CUTTING CARBON FOOTPRINT

  • Following airspace closure, flying time for long-haul flights towards the US increased by 90 minutes, fuel usage also increased 
     
  • With the latest relief, aircraft utilisation will go up while crew requirement will come down by 25%
     
  • Within a few hours of the lifting of the ban, 533 aircraft, including 51 from India, flew over Pakistan

Within a few hours of the lifting of the ban, 533 aircraft, including 51 from India, flew over Pakistan, said official sources.

Islamabad had decided in February after India targeted a terror camp at Balakot, deep inside the Line of Control, following the Pulwama terror attack that left 44 soldiers dead.

This resulted in Indian airlines, which are already financially stressed, incurred losses as they had to re-route, merge or suspend many flights that connect India with European and US cities.

The ban had majorly impacted global air traffic, especially the Afghans, who visit India regularly. The Afghan aviation authority said this led to a loss of $27 million to Kabul in addition to disruption of passenger flights and India Afghanistan air corridor.

Pakistan too suffered a loss of nearly $100 million in the form of overflight charges, parking and landing charges.

In fact, a number of direct flights to Pakistan have also been cancelled and its state-run national airlines PIA-Pakistan International Airlines, which is under tremendous pressure, is facing revenue loss due to the closure of airspace.

― Zee Media Newsroom

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