New Delhi, April 25 -- April 25:With the immediate closure of Pakistan's airspace for India, domestic airlines will need to take a longer route, resulting in higher fuel burn and possibly increased airfares, industry experts said on Thursday. Pakistan's move will affect flights to Central Asia, West Asia, Europe, the UK and North America.

Industry experts said this will result in high costs for airlines. In 2019 when Pakistan closed its airspace after the Balakot airstrikes, Indian airlines lost nearly Rs 700 crore owing to higher fuel expenses, according to industry figures. As per industry sources, airlines are assessing the initial impact of Pakistan's decision.

According to the airline officials, Pakistan airspace is a key airspace ...