Air India has restructured its transcontinental flight paths to the U.S. and Canada. Rising costs triggered by Pakistan’s extended airspace closure pushed the airline to adopt Mongolian airspace routes. These changes impact services originating from New Delhi, targeting cities like San Francisco and Vancouver.

This strategic decision reflects Air India’s effort to control operating expenses. The airline now includes a technical stop in Kolkata for some flights, streamlining crew management and refueling. These changes offer a practical workaround to avoid expensive European stopovers. With over 70 weekly flights to North America, the airline must maintain efficiency to preserve service quality.

After Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian carriers on April 24, 2025, Air India needed immediate alternative routes. The new routes impact long-haul flights connecting Delhi to major cities, including New York, Washington, and Toronto. These detours, though longer, help reduce stopover costs and manage aircraft resources more effectively.

Air India continues to comply with crew duty time regulations. On ultra-long flights, the airline deploys multiple crew teams and utilizes Kolkata stops to meet regulatory limits. This tactic also limits delays and avoids high landing charges in Europe, helping stabilize the carrier’s cost structure.

The recent shift followed the geopolitical unrest after the Pahalgam terror incident. India banned Pakistani carriers, further intensifying the airspace conflict. Although peace talks continue, airspace restrictions remain active. As a result, Air India adapts daily to minimize passenger inconvenience and manage costs.

These efforts highlight Air India’s resilience and agility in tough operational climates. The airline aims to preserve connectivity and ensure reliable service across transcontinental routes. Passengers can expect smoother journeys despite the regional tensions. Air India plans to revisit direct flight paths as soon as conditions improve.

Related stories:

• Air Canada’s A220: A New Era of Comfort with Airbus Airspace Cabin
• $420,000 Fine for Lufthansa and SWISS: Airspace Rules Broken
• Air Routes Change as Pakistan Shuts Sky to Indian Flights
• 50 IndiGo Routes Hit by Pakistan Airspace Closure: What You Need to Know
• EL AL Suspends Moscow Flights Following Azerbaijan Airlines Tragedy