Srinagar-Sharjah flight is costly and the reason is Pakistan

Pakistan denied its airspace to Go First’s Srinagar-Sharjah flight. According to officials, Pakistan’s refusal forced the flight to take a longer route and fly over Gujarat to reach its destination in the UAE

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

The Srinagar-Sharjah flight can be done in 3 hours if Pakistan reopens its airspace for Indian planes. However, Pakistan has refused to allow the flight. Today, it takes almost an hour more. Result: more fuel is needed and consequently ticket costs go higher.

Pakistan denied its airspace to Go First’s Srinagar-Sharjah flight. According to officials, Pakistan’s refusal forced the flight to take a longer route and fly over Gujarat to reach its destination in the UAE.

Go First, known earlier as GoAir, had started direct flights between Srinagar and Sharjah from October 23 and the service was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the Valley last month.

Incidentally, this was the first service between Jammu and Kashmir and the UAE after 11 years. Air India Express had started a Srinagar-Dubai flight in February 2009 but it was discontinued after some time due to low demand

Till October 31, the flight was using Pakistan airspace. Recently, Pakistan stopped the use of its flight to pass through its airspace, and the flights had to take a longer route through Gujarat, adding around 40 minutes to the flight time.

No specific reasons have been given by the Pakistan government as yet for closing its airspace. Officials said the flight, which operates four times a week, did not face any issue when it used Pakistan airspace between October 23 and October 31.

Incidentally, this was the first service between Jammu and Kashmir and the UAE after 11 years. Air India Express had started a Srinagar-Dubai flight in February 2009 but it was discontinued after some time due to low demand.

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