Indian aviation giant IndiGo is exploring the possibility of operating flights over the Himalayas as prolonged airspace restrictions continue to disrupt international operations and increase flying times on key long-haul routes.
The move comes in the wake of airspace closures and restrictions triggered first by Operation Sindoor last year and more recently by the geopolitical crisis in West Asia, both of which have forced Indian carriers to reroute and cancel flights bound for Europe, North America and Canada.
Traditionally, Indian airlines have avoided flying over the Himalayan region due to operational and safety challenges. The absence of suitable diversion airports in the event of an emergency and highly unpredictable mountain weather, which can generate severe turbulence, have made such routes less attractive for commercial operations.
The challenge is amplified by the sheer scale of the mountain range, home to some of the world's highest peaks including Mount Everest at 29,032 feet, K2 at 28,251 feet and Kanchenjunga at 28,169 feet. While commercial aircraft cruise well above these elevations, the terrain, weather patterns and limited emergency diversion options have historically routine overflight operations by Indian carriers.
However, with existing restrictions significantly impacting network planning and aircraft utilisation, IndiGo is now evaluating alternative routing options that could help restore some of the efficiency lost due to detours.
10/06/2026 Swaraj Baggonkar/Moneycontrol
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