Airlines reroute flights amid India-Pakistan tensions
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack, prompting both nations to impose reciprocal airspace restrictions and visa suspensions. In response, several international airlines have started rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, citing safety and operational concerns.
The Indian government has taken a series of retaliatory actions over the past week, including closing a key border crossing, halting a major water-sharing treaty, suspending most visas for Pakistani citizens, and expelling diplomats. Pakistani nationals in India were given a limited time to leave. Additionally, India banned all Pakistani aircraft—both civilian and military—from entering its airspace, mirroring Pakistan’s earlier move.
While both countries have closed their airspace to each other, they continue to allow international carriers to transit through. However, flight-tracking data indicates that several global airlines have chosen to bypass Pakistani airspace entirely.
German carrier Lufthansa confirmed it is avoiding Pakistani airspace “until further notice,” acknowledging the increased flight times and fuel costs on routes to Asia. Its Frankfurt-to-Delhi flight on Sunday reportedly took nearly an hour longer than usual. Similarly, Air France announced a suspension of overflights above Pakistan due to “evolving tensions,” with longer routes now being taken for flights to destinations such as Delhi, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Other airlines, including British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Emirates, have been observed adjusting their routes to fly over the Arabian Sea before turning north toward India, though they have not issued official statements.
According to a Reuters report, this shift could significantly reduce Pakistan’s earnings from overflight fees, which can total hundreds of dollars per flight depending on aircraft size and route.
The airspace changes come amid broader regional instability, with Middle East tensions also affecting global flight paths.
