NEW DELHI, May 15 -- Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong said Air India's inability to use Pakistani airspace for more than a year put the airline at a disadvantage against foreign carriers that continue to use the route.

Goh's comments are arguably the first on the issue, which has plagued Indian carriers since April last year. He noted that Air India, in which Singapore Airlines owns 25.1%, has the same issues to resolve as other airlines - supply chain delays, aircraft deliveries and the West Asia conflict.

"But on top of that, there are other issues they have to contend with. The closure of Pakistani airspace affects only Indian-based operations, not anyone else," Goh said during a post-results call with investors on ...