Allow us to avoid Pakistani airspace, private airlines tell government

New Delhi: Private airlines have repeatedly sought the government’s consent to fly to the Gulf from western India over the Arabian sea to avoid Pakistani airspace.

According to a report, security fears due to deteriorating India-Pakistan ties as well as economic factors are driving the requests.

Most private airlines including Jet Airways, IndiGo and SpiceJet, as well as the government carrier Air India operate flights to Gulf via the Pakistan route.

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, said the report. The official reason given by SpiceJet is to save fuel and route navigation flight charges (RNFC). The direct oceanic route would help SpiceJet save Rs 1 lakh as well as reduce carbon emissions, the airline claims.

But defence authorities are yet to give clearance to the direct access as it involves flying over some sensitive areas, but an official was quoted as saying that a lot of requests have already been received and progress has been made on the issue.