Air India Considers 'Technical Stop' Within India Amid Pakistan Airspace Restrictions

Following heightened tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has barred Indian aircraft from using its airspace. In response, Indian flights, including those operated by Air India, have been rerouted over the Arabian Sea to reach various international destinations. This has led to longer flight durations, increased fuel consumption, and extended crew duty hours.

Air India currently operates 71 weekly flights to the United States, 54 of which depart from Delhi. Due to rerouting, flights to the U.S. now require technical stops in European cities such as Vienna (Austria) and Copenhagen (Denmark) for refueling. However, this arrangement incurs significant additional expenses in terms of landing charges and fuel costs.

To mitigate these challenges, Air India is considering establishing a technical stop within India itself for flights originating from Delhi and heading to the U.S. The airline is evaluating Mumbai and Ahmedabad as possible alternatives. If implemented, this move would eliminate the need for layovers in European cities, allowing flights to reach the U.S. directly after refueling in India.

Air India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson shared key updates with the airline's staff on Friday regarding the evolving situation. He stated that recent airspace restrictions had forced temporary network adjustments on European and American routes. “We are focused on reducing technical stops and have made progress in this direction,” said Campbell Wilson.