Mumbai ATC Handles Surge in Air Traffic Amid Pakistani Airspace Closure

Mumbai Air Traffic Control (ATC) is witnessing a sharp increase in workload as international flights are rerouted to avoid Pakistani airspace, which has remained closed since April 24. The closure follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed at least 26 lives.

According to sources, the rerouting has significantly increased traffic over Mumbai’s airspace. While Mumbai ATC routinely manages Europe, North and South America-bound flights originating from the city, it is now also overseeing a considerable number of flights departing from Northern India, including Delhi, that have been redirected through western and southern air corridors.

The increase in aerial traffic has added to the operational complexity and workload for controllers at Mumbai’s busy air traffic management centre, already among the busiest in the country.

“Flights that would typically fly over Pakistan are now being routed via Mumbai airspace before heading westward. This is leading to congestion and increased coordination requirements,” an ATC official said on condition of anonymity.

The Pakistan airspace closure is part of a broader diplomatic standoff, triggered by India’s strong response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. While no official timeline has been announced for the reopening of Pakistani airspace, aviation experts believe the rerouting may continue for weeks if diplomatic ties remain strained.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) are closely monitoring the situation and have taken steps to ensure flight safety and minimize delays despite the added load on Mumbai ATC.