Pakistani Passengers and IndiGo’s Mumbai Layovers: A Unique Travel Experience

Introduction

Travel between India and Pakistan has always been complicated due to historical and political reasons. Direct flights are rare, and travelers often have to rely on indirect routes through the Middle East, Turkey, or Southeast Asia to reach their destinations. However, some Pakistani passengers have recently found themselves on flights with layovers in Mumbai, sparking curiosity and discussions about how this is possible.

One such case involved Waqas Hassan, a Pakistani entrepreneur who transited through Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on an IndiGo flight. His experience sheds light on an unconventional yet legal travel option for Pakistani nationals.

How Do Pakistani Travelers End Up in Mumbai?

Although India and Pakistan do not have direct commercial flights, Pakistani travelers can legally transit through Indian airports on international flights. This happens when they book flights operated by international airlines or Indian carriers like IndiGo, Air India, or Vistara, which offer connecting routes via Indian cities.

For instance, a passenger flying from Singapore to Saudi Arabia on an IndiGo flight might have a layover in Mumbai or Delhi before continuing their journey. While they are not allowed to exit the airport, they can stay in the transit area, explore airport lounges, shop, and dine before boarding their next flight.

The Case of Waqas Hassan

In March 2025, Waqas Hassan booked an IndiGo flight from Singapore to Saudi Arabia with a six-hour layover in Mumbai. Given the geopolitical context, this raised eyebrows. However, Hassan’s transit was entirely legal and within international aviation norms.

During his layover, he explored Mumbai Airport’s luxurious lounges, sampled Indian cuisine like vada pav, and browsed souvenir shops. Despite not stepping out of the airport, he got a small taste of Indian culture—a rare experience for a Pakistani passport holder.

Visa Rules for Pakistani Transit Passengers

Pakistani nationals do not require a visa to transit through Indian airports, provided:
✔ They do not leave the airport premises.
✔ Their layover does not exceed 24 hours.
✔ They have a valid ticket for their onward journey.

If a Pakistani traveler wants to step out of the airport, they must apply for an Indian visa in advance—which is extremely difficult to obtain, except for medical or diplomatic reasons.

Airline Policies and Passenger Experiences

Indian airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India offer competitive international fares, sometimes making flights with Indian layovers the most affordable option for travelers. However, for Pakistani passengers, there are unique challenges:

🔹 Security Checks: Extra scrutiny from airport authorities due to geopolitical sensitivities.
🔹 Limited Mobility: Passengers must stay inside the transit area for the entire layover.
🔹 Uncommon Travel Route: Even airline staff are sometimes surprised to see Pakistani passport holders in transit.

Despite these factors, many travelers find Indian layovers more affordable and convenient compared to alternative routes through Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul.

Public and Official Reactions

When Waqas Hassan shared his experience on social media, it received mixed reactions. Some saw it as a positive step toward easing travel restrictions between India and Pakistan, while others felt it was insignificant since travelers were still confined to the airport.

Interestingly, Mumbai airport officials were reportedly surprised to see a Pakistani passenger in transit, highlighting how rare this situation is.

Safety and Geopolitical Considerations

Flights between India and Pakistan must follow strict airspace regulations to avoid diplomatic tensions. For instance:

• In June 2023, an IndiGo flight from Amritsar to Ahmedabad accidentally entered Pakistani airspace due to bad weather but was quickly allowed to return safely.
• Both countries regularly restrict or change air routes based on political situations.

For Pakistani passengers on Indian flights, there is always a slight uncertainty about regulations changing overnight, making these layovers a bit unpredictable.

Conclusion

For most Pakistani travelers, India remains an inaccessible destination due to political restrictions and visa limitations. However, cases like Waqas Hassan’s layover in Mumbai show that limited travel possibilities do exist—at least in a transit capacity.

While these layovers don’t replace direct travel between the two nations, they offer a small window for cultural exposure and people-to-people interactions—even if it’s just within the walls of an airport. As aviation policies evolve, such transit opportunities might become more common, potentially paving the way for better travel relations in the future.