Several Asian airlines have been forced to reroute or cancel flights due to the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. The closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines, coupled with India’s reciprocal closure to Pakistani carriers, has disrupted flight operations across the region, affecting both regional and international travel.Â
Background of the India-Pakistan Conflict
The current crisis began on April 22, 2025, when a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindus. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, leading to a sharp decline in bilateral relations. In response, India suspended a critical water-sharing treaty and closed the only land crossing between the two nations.
Tensions escalated further when India launched airstrikes on May 6, 2025, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and closed its airspace to all Indian airlines. India retaliated by closing its airspace to Pakistani airlines, intensifying the standoff.
Impact on Airline Operations
The closure of Pakistani airspace has significantly disrupted flight operations, particularly for Indian airlines. Carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet have had to alter routes to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, resulting in longer flight times and increased fuel costs. Some flights now require additional refueling stops, while others have been canceled.
International airlines are also affected. Major carriers, including Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Emirates, have announced they are avoiding Pakistani airspace due to safety concerns. According to FlightRadar24, more than two dozen commercial flights were diverted to avoid Pakistani airspace, and by Wednesday morning, 52 flights to or from Pakistan were canceled.
The following table summarizes the responses of key airlines:
| Airline | Response | Details |
| EVA Air | Re-routed flights to/from Europe to avoid affected airspace | Flight from Vienna diverted back; Taipei to Milan diverted to Vienna for refueling; Shares down 1.7% |
| Korean Air | Re-routed Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights to southern route | Route over Myanmar, Bangladesh, India; Previously through Pakistani airspace |
| Thai Airways | Re-routed flights to Europe and South Asia, warned of delays | Started early Wednesday morning |
| Vietnam Airlines | Affected flight plans, to provide re-routing schedule later | No specific details yet |
| China Airlines | Activated contingency plan, canceled London flight | Measures for passenger and crew safety; Shares down more than 2% |
| Lufthansa | Re-routed Delhi to Frankfurt flight via Arabian Sea | Longer path compared to Tuesday |
| Air France | Suspended flying over Pakistan until further notice | Adapting flight schedules for safety |
| British Airways | Flights over Arabian Sea, turning north toward Delhi | Avoiding Pakistani airspace |
| Swiss International Air Lines | Flights over Arabian Sea, turning north toward Delhi | Avoiding Pakistani airspace |
| Emirates | Flights over Arabian Sea, turning north toward Delhi | Avoiding Pakistani airspace |
Financial Implications
The airspace closure is expected to have a substantial financial impact, particularly on Air India, which could lose up to $900 million by the end of 2025 due to the overflight ban. The airline, currently restructuring under the Tata Group, is seeking government assistance to manage the costs of rerouted flights and rising fuel expenses.
Other airlines are also facing increased operational costs due to longer flight paths and additional fuel consumption. However, airfares may not rise significantly, as airlines are absorbing some costs to remain competitive.
Statements from Authorities
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian airlines in response to India’s military actions. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued notices to air missions (NOTAMs) regarding airspace closures and flight re-routings.
Air France stated it has suspended flying over Pakistan until further notice due to the “recent evolution of tensions between India and Pakistan.” Lufthansa Group confirmed it is avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice.
Current Status and Latest Developments
As of May 7, 2025, the situation remains tense, with both countries on high alert. Pakistan has extended its airspace closure to Indian airlines until May 23, 2025, while India has closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines until the same date. The Indian Air Force has taken control of airports near the border, including Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar, suspending civilian flight operations until further notice.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are ongoing, but no significant progress has been reported. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the potential for further escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations.
The conflict between India and Pakistan continues to disrupt air travel, with airlines facing significant operational and financial challenges. The closure of airspace and the re-routing of flights underscore the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on global connectivity and the aviation industry. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and stay informed about travel advisories as the situation evolves.