Air India says airspace restrictions hit harder than last year as longer routes drive up costs

Air India says growing airspace restrictions are hitting it harder than last year, as longer routes to Europe and North America increase fuel and other costs. The Tata Group-owned carrier has been flying longer paths since early last year after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines. Now, it is also dealing with curbs across parts of the Gulf amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. A senior executive told the airline’s impact is “big,” but said it is difficult to quantify. With more countries shutting airspace, flights shift further south, raising the fuel bill, and some routes require extra stopovers and landing charges.