India To Not Use Pakistan’s Airspace For AI One Flights After It Denied Permission To President Kovind’s Flight

After Pakistan denied permission to Air India (AI) One flight to use its airspace on Saturday (7 September), India is unlikely to seek Islamabad’s approval again to use its airspace till the relations between the two countries improve, reports Times of India.

"Diplomatically they (Pakistan) will not be asked for our AI One (operated on AI Boeing 747s for medium to long haul routes) or IAF One (operated on IAF's Boeing Business Jets for short hauls). We will take alternate (longer) routes to and from the west for these VVIP flights operated for the President, V-P (Vice-President) and Prime Minister," Sources in the know were quoted in the report as saying.

Earlier, Pakistan on Saturday (7 September) denied permission for the AI One to use its airspace while flying President Kovind on a European tour this week.

"When they have said no once, there is no point in us approaching them again," said sources.

According to the report, the denial of passage to the VVIP flights by Pakistan may increase the flying time from Delhi to West by up to an hour. However, the VVIP flights, which are low on passenger load, can carry more fuel to fly longer routes.

After Pakistan denied permission to President’s flight, India responded sharply saying that Islamabad should “recognise” futility of such actions.

"We regret the decision of the government of Pakistan to deny overflight clearance for the VVIP special flight which is otherwise granted routinely by any normal country. We call upon Pakistan to recognise the futility of such unilateral actions," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said on Saturday (7 September).