Asian Airlines Modify Operations in Response to India-Pakistan Tensions

Several Asian airlines have canceled or rerouted flights due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions. Airspace restrictions have disrupted travel, affecting thousands. Airlines stress passenger safety and provide updated flight information.

Multiple Asian airlines have adjusted their operations due to increased tensions between India and Pakistan following military strikes on May 7, 2025. The resulting airspace restrictions have led to significant disruptions, affecting thousands of passengers as airlines urge travelers to stay informed about flight changes.

Thai Airways and Air France announced rerouting for flights to Europe and South Asia, starting May 7, while other airlines like Korean Air and Singapore Airlines have also changed routes to avoid conflict zones. Over 50 flights to or from Pakistan were canceled, with many international flights diverted.

In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, several Asian airlines have modified their operations, primarily by rerouting or canceling flights to avoid Pakistani and northwest Indian airspace. The conflict, intensified by India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, which targeted alleged terrorist sites in Pakistan, and Pakistan’s subsequent claim of downing five Indian fighter jets, has led to significant airspace restrictions and airport closures.

Key Operational Changes

• Korean Air: Rerouted its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights to pass over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, avoiding Pakistani airspace.
• Thai Airways: Began rerouting flights to Europe and South Asia starting early May 7, with some flights, like Frankfurt to Bangkok, making unscheduled stops in Dubai for refueling.
• Singapore Airlines and Scoot: Ceased flying over Pakistani airspace since May 6, opting for alternative routes, which may result in longer flight times.
• Taiwan’s China Airlines: Disrupted flights to London, Frankfurt, and Rome, with cancellations and technical stops in Bangkok or Prague for refueling.
• Taiwan’s EVA Air: Adjusted Europe-bound flights to avoid affected airspace, diverting flights like Taipei to Milan via Vienna for refueling.
• Malaysia Airlines: Rerouted flights from Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle via Doha and suspended flights to Amritsar until May 9.
• Vietnam Airlines: Reported affected flight plans, with details on rerouting to follow.
• Indian Carriers: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air canceled flights to northern cities like Srinagar, Leh, and Amritsar due to airport closures. IndiGo canceled 165 flights until May 10.

Impact and Safety Concerns

• Airspace Congestion: Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed heavy rerouting over Oman, UAE, and Kuwait, raising concerns about congestion.
• Airport Closures: About a dozen Indian airports, including Srinagar, Leh, and Chandigarh, were temporarily shut, disrupting domestic and international travel.
• Safety Risks: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines highlighted GPS spoofing in conflict zones as a major risk, potentially sending airliners off course.
• Financial Strain: Longer routes increase fuel costs, with Air India potentially facing losses up to $900 million by year-end.

Context of Tensions: The disruptions stem from a militant attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants, leading to retaliatory measures, including airspace bans and the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan denied involvement and closed its airspace to Indian airlines on April 24, prompting India to reciprocate.

Current Status: As of May 8, 2025, Pakistan’s airspace was nearly deserted, with only a few civilian flights, and over 50 flights to or from Pakistan were canceled by May 7 morning. Airlines continue to monitor the situation, advising passengers to check flight schedules.

For the latest updates, travelers should consult airline advisories or flight tracking platforms like FlightRadar24.