Indian airlines have requested the Centre to allow them to avoid Pakistan airspace and instead fly to the Gulf from Ahmedabad over the Arabian sea because of security concerns. An aviation ministry official confirmed that requests were pouring in from many airlines for a direct point-to-point route.

An airline official said that apart from security concerns stemming from deteriorating relations between the two countries, cost was also a factor, reported The Times of India. The major carriers that have made this request include Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways and SpiceJet, all of which operate flights to Gulf over Pakistan.

SpiceJet, however, has sought access to airspace reserved for the Indian Air Force and the Navy. The airlines officials said that this will allow them to fly directly from Ahmedabad to the Gulf and save fuel and route navigation flight charges. According to a presentation made to the Defence and Civil Aviation Ministry, the airlines, if allowed to access the oceanic route under the “flexi use of airspace”, will save around Rs 1 lakh. “Besides, this will also enable reduction in carbon emissions.” Defence authorities, however, are yet to approve the requests.