Russia had shut its airspace for several countries amid war. Avoiding the Russian airspace, these flights were taking longer than usual to reach India and other countries. Only Air India was continuing to use the Russian airspace. Thus, Air India’s international flight timings were not affected much. Now, Russia is planning to restart international flights after April 9, as announced by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Russia will be resuming flights from countries like Argentina, South Africa, Algeria, China, Lebanon, Peru and Pakistan.
United Airlines, Finnair Flights Took Longer Time To Reach Delhi Amid Russian Airspace Closure
Flightradar24, a flight-tracking website has revealed the longer timings taken by certain flights by avoiding the Russian airspace. A United Airlines flight which usually takes around 12 hours 38 minutes to reach Delhi from Newark took 13 hours 53 minutes after the closure of the Russian airspace. Also, a United Airlines flight which usually takes around 13 hours 16 minutes to reach Delhi from Chicago took around 14 hours 43 minutes by avoiding airspace in Russia. Thus, the shutting of the Russian airspace is creating inconvenience for many international flyers.
An Air Canada flight from Dublin to Delhi took over 37 hours to reach India avoiding the Russian airspace on March 3. Longer flight timings were noticed for Finland’s airline Finnair too. A Helsinki-Delhi Finnair flight which usually takes around 6 hours and 15 minutes took 8 hours 52 minutes on March 2 to reach Delhi.
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Air India Flight Timings Remain Unaffected
Russia has closed its airspace for US, Europe and Canada based airlines. Thus, Air India flights are continuing to use the Russian airspace. Thus, Air India flight timings did not get affected by the airspace closure. In case you’re taking up international travel now, do a research on the routes before commencing your journey to avoid hassles. Meanwhile, here are the Travel Guidelines For Indians Evacuated From Ukraine.