The closure of Pakistan’s airspace has led to significant rerouting of international flights originating from northern and eastern India. This has placed increased importance on air routes L639 and L301, and the air traffic control centers in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which are now playing a crucial role in managing the altered flight paths.
Key Developments:
Since April 24th, over 130 westbound international flights that usually depart from northern and eastern Indian airports have been redirected southward. Mumbai’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) is currently handling the bulk of these rerouted flights, especially during peak hours, resulting in denser air traffic.
Route L639:
Route L639, established during the 2019 Pakistan airspace closure, has become a vital pathway. It is the most favored of the six routes used by flights traveling from Mumbai towards Muscat airspace. This route commences over Bhopal, connects to Ahmedabad and Mundra, and then traverses the Arabian Sea, culminating at a waypoint known as “RASKI,” which is located near Muscat.
Route L301:
Route L301 runs approximately 150 nautical miles south of L639, ultimately merging with L639 at RASKI.
Altitude Assignments:
Flights heading west from India to destinations such as the US and Europe are assigned even-numbered altitudes, cruising at levels ranging from 30,000 to approximately 42,000 feet. Conversely, aircraft flying eastward into India are assigned odd-numbered flight levels, such as 29,000, 31,000, and 33,000 feet.
Impact on Fuel Consumption:
Mumbai’s en route control typically manages around 2,500 overflying flights within a 24-hour period. To illustrate the impact of rerouting, a Delhi-New York Boeing 777 flight that would normally overfly Pakistan consumes about 106,500 kg of fuel. However, a rerouted B777 flight taking the L639 route, with a necessary refueling stop in Vienna, burns approximately 125,500 kg of fuel.
Final Thought
The closure of Pakistani airspace has presented logistical challenges, but the Mumbai and Ahmedabad air traffic control centers have effectively managed the rerouting of flights, ensuring continued international air travel. The strategic importance of routes L639 and L301 has been highlighted during this period.