Air India Suspends Direct Flights to Birmingham and Vienna Amid Pakistan Airspace Closure

The impact of Pakistan’s airspace closure on Indian airlines’ international operations is becoming increasingly evident, with Air India announcing the suspension of direct flights from New Delhi to Birmingham in the United Kingdom and Vienna, the capital of Austria, from November 1 for an indefinite period.

The decision by the Tata Group-owned airline, India’s largest carrier, comes amid rising operational costs and logistical challenges faced by Indian airlines due to the continued closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft.

Air India currently operates three weekly direct flights between New Delhi and Birmingham and four weekly flights between New Delhi and Vienna. Both services will be suspended under the airline’s revised winter schedule.

The closure of Pakistani airspace has forced Indian aircraft to take alternative routes to reach several destinations in Europe. The longer routes increase flight times and fuel consumption, adding to costs associated with aircraft operations, crew deployment and other operational requirements.

The extended flight paths have also complicated flight planning, aircraft utilisation and the management of onward connections and schedules, placing additional pressure on airline operations.