Let us skip Pakistani airspace, airlines request Centre

[Indx TechStyle]

Let us skip Pakistani airspace, airlines request Centre

(Representative image)
HIGHLIGHTS

• Indian carriers want to avoid Pakistani airspace while flying to Gulf countries.
• Several requests made to Centre for use of airspace reserved for air force and the navy.
• Security fears due to deteriorating India-Pakistan ties, economic factors driving the requests.

NEW DELHI: Indian carriers are increasingly seeking the government's nod to fly to the Gulf from western India (mainly Ahmedabad) over the Arabian Sea to avoid the circuitous route over Pakistan. Security fears due to SpiceJet operate flights to Gulf over Pakistan. "In the past few days, India has asked some non-scheduled aircraft flying from Pakistan to return and Pakistan may also retaliate. This is one fear that is behind the demand and the other is pure and simple cost factors," said an airline official.

SpiceJet has sought direct access for its flights from Ahmedabad to the Gulf under the " flexi-use of airspace ", which allows commercial aircraft to use the airspace reserved for air force and the navy. TOI has accessed a presentation made by SpiceJet to both defence and civil aviation ministries in this regard.

"With this not only airlines save fuel and route navigation flight charges (RNFC), our country can generate more RNFC. This will also enable reduction in carbon emissions which is part of global environmental saving," SpiceJet said in the presentation. The budget airline would save rupees one lakh if it is allowed direct oceanic route instead of flying over Pakistan for its Ahmedabad-Dubai flight.

Defence authorities are yet to give clearance to the direct access as it involves flying over some sensitive areas. An aviation ministry source said: "We are getting lot of requests from airlines for direct point-to-point routes and are focusing on flexi use of airspace for that. There has been significant progress on that and a lot is still to be done."

Though I think this region won't be as sensitive as land of peace is.
@OneGrimPilgrim @Ancient Indian @PD_Solo @airtel @Mikesingh

 

[Indx TechStyle]

@DingDong @Screambowl @prasad14 @HariPrasad-1
A good idea indeed.

1. Will minimize the vulnerability of security of our airlines.
2. Another field where they are avoided.
3. Would cut down costs of travel.
4. A lesser number of smugglers or terrorists would be able to access India.

 

[OneGrimPilgrim]

Think how will ndtv form a tweet without including 'pakistani' in the news-bit. 'Indian carriers request centre to let them skip....airspace'.

Naaaah...
Tapatalked!

 

[Screambowl]

Pakistan is chosen basically because in case of emergency they can land in Pakistan. As most of the flights are planned over land beneath them. What Pilots fear is also genuine fear. But I don't think it will be closed.

 

[Ancient Indian]

Paki airspace is not safe. They will down our planes.
With the butt-hurt they are going through, It is better to play safe than be sorry later.

Or may be India preparing for war with Paki. Man interesting times ahead.

 

[mayfair]

A lesser number of smugglers or terrorists would be able to access India.

How so??

The planes are only flying over Pak, not landing there.