After 6 Months Pakistan Reopens Its Airspace

  • 16-Jul-2019
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NEW DELHI: Pakistan reopened its airspace for all flights early Tuesday after a gap of six months since the IAF’s strikes on Balakot. Hours after the announcement, an Air India flight from San Francisco, which was en route to Delhi, became the first Indian airline to fly over the neighbouring country and reach 90 minutes earlier.

The curb meant airlines had to take a longer route to reach their destinations and burn more fuel, stop midway for refuelling as well as roster more pilots and cabin crew, as their duty hours are regulated. An increase in fuel expenses, which constitutes 40% of an airline’s operational costs, resulted in an increase in fares and in some cases cancellation of flights, leaving passengers with fewer options to choose from.

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