Air India explores alternative routes for North America flights amid airspace curbs, BA

Air India is considering various options for its North America flights from Delhi, including the possibility of operating with a technical stop in an Indian city to reduce costs due to the Pakistan airspace closure. Currently, Air India operates 71 weekly flights to North American destinations, with 54 services originating from Delhi. The airline serves cities like Chicago, New York, Washington, San Francisco, Newark, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Air India’s MD and CEO Campbell Wilson mentioned recent network-related developments, including adjustments to routes in response to airspace restrictions, resulting in technical stops and longer flight times. The airline is working on identifying alternatives to reduce tech-stops and restore non-stop operations.

Following India’s measures against Pakistan, the airspace closure has led to longer routes, increased fuel consumption, payload issues, and crew duty time challenges. Flights from north Indian cities now take longer routes over the Arabian Sea.

To address cost challenges, Air India is exploring options like having a stop within India, possibly in Mumbai or Ahmedabad, for its Delhi-North America flights to avoid European stops for refueling. This move aims to reduce fuel burn, operational expenses, and crew duty time limitations.

With European stops, airlines incur higher expenses like landing charges and fuel costs. Crew duty regulations limit continuous work to eight hours, with additional permissions needed for longer flights.

The closure has prompted the Civil Aviation Ministry to assess the situation and work with airlines for solutions. Air India estimates additional expenses of around USD 600 million if the closure persists for a year, suggesting financial assistance.

An analysis shows Indian airlines facing over Rs 306 crore in monthly operational costs due to the airspace closure. India also barred Pakistan airlines from its airspace in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.