Sky's the Limit? Not for Indian Travellers as Airspace Closures and Safety Checks Trigger Widespread Delays

The usually bustling skies for Indian travellers are currently experiencing unprecedented turbulence, not just from weather, but from a confluence of geopolitical tensions and heightened safety protocols. The closure of key international airspaces, coupled with intensive safety checks on Air India's Dreamliner fleet following the recent Ahmedabad crash, is creating a domino effect of delays and cancellations, leaving countless passengers frustrated and travel plans in disarray.

The primary culprit behind extended flight times and rerouting is the closure of Iranian and Jordanian airspaces. With these crucial corridors to the West now inaccessible, Air India, in particular, is finding its journey to Europe and the the UK stretched by approximately an hour. This longer flying time directly impacts the turnaround time for its Dreamliner aircraft, which are a cornerstone of its long-haul operations.

Adding to this complex aerial puzzle are the stringent, enhanced checks mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Air India's entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This directive comes in the wake of the tragic Ahmedabad crash, prompting a thorough, one-time safety assessment of these advanced aircraft. While necessary for passenger safety, these inspections are significantly extending the time each aircraft spends on the ground, making it incredibly challenging for Air India to maintain its published schedules. Proof of this challenge was evident on Sunday, with the cancellation of the Delhi-Paris service and the grounding of the Sydney flight, both typically served by Dreamliners.

As of Sunday evening, 22 out of Air India's 33 Dreamliners had undergone these crucial checks. The airline had already forewarned passengers about potential disruptions, stating, "Air India is in the process of completing the one-time safety checks directed by DGCA. These are being carried out on the Boeing 787 fleet as they return to India, before being cleared for their next operations... Some of these checks could lead to higher turnaround time and potential delays..."

The ripple effect of these disruptions isn't confined to Air India alone. The closure of Iranian airspace has led to a massive surge in diverted air traffic being handled by Dubai's air traffic control (ATC), mirroring the congestion seen at Mumbai ATC. This overflow has resulted in considerable delays for numerous flights between India and Dubai over the weekend. Furthermore, Indian carriers operating flights to and from North India are reportedly experiencing more significant delays compared to those from South India.

Airlines are battling the clock to ensure passengers board on time to secure their departure slots at congested hubs like Dubai. However, as one airline source lamented, "Then there's often a long wait to get take-off clearance, which is not a comfortable experience for passengers on board aircraft on a very hot tarmac at this time of the year. The home airline (Emirates) understandably gets preferential treatment at its hub."

Frustrated flyers, stuck in airport lounges or on delayed flights, have taken to social media to vocalize their grievances. Acknowledging the widespread impact, Dubai Airports issued an advisory, urging passengers: "Some flights at Dubai International (DXB) and DWC (Al Maktoum, Dubai's second airport) are cancelled or delayed due to airspace closures over parts of the region. Please check with your airline for the latest updates..." Even budget carrier SpiceJet confirmed on Sunday that it was "experiencing massive air traffic control congestion at Dubai," with other regional airports, like Sharjah-based Air Arabia, facing similar challenges.

As geopolitical uncertainties persist and safety remains paramount, travellers are advised to stay in close communication with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses. The skies may be open, but navigating them has certainly become a more complex and time-consuming affair.