MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Several major Asian airlines announced flight cancellations and re-routings on Wednesday as the India-Pakistan airspace conflict escalated, triggering severe disruption in global flight schedules.
The changes come in response to intensified action between India and Pakistan, after Indian air strikes on Pakistani territory and claims by Pakistan that it had shot down five Indian fighter jets.
This marks the worst military exchange between the nuclear-armed rivals in more than 20 years.
As the situation unfolded, more than 52 flights to and from Pakistan were cancelled, according to tracking service FlightRadar24.
At one point, 57 global flights were operating within Pakistani airspace when India launched its attacks without any consideration of civilian lives, according to a statement issued by DG ISPR.
Pakistan has opened its airspace in Lahore and Karachi after lives returned to normal, thanks to the efforts made by Pakistani forces.
Domestic flights in both countries were also hit, with India closing several airports. Consequently, major Indian airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air were forced to cancel services. Shares in IndiGo dropped by 1.8 per cent.
The ripple effects have been felt across Asia and beyond. Taiwanese airline EVA Air stated it would reroute flights to and from Europe for safety reasons.
A Vienna-bound flight was diverted back, while a Milan service had to refuel in Vienna before continuing. EVA Air shares dipped 1.7 per cent.
South Korea’s Korean Air also adjusted its route between Seoul and Dubai, choosing to bypass Pakistani airspace entirely by flying over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India.
Thai Airways confirmed similar rerouting for its Europe and South Asia destinations starting Wednesday morning. Vietnam Airlines said tensions between India and Pakistan had forced it to adjust operations.
China Airlines of Taiwan experienced multiple disruptions, with flights to London, Frankfurt, and Rome either cancelled or forced to make technical stops in Prague or Bangkok for crew changes and refuelling. Its shares fell by more than 2 per cent.
The India-Pakistan airspace conflict also led to longer travel times for European-bound flights from India. One Lufthansa flight from Delhi to Frankfurt took a significantly longer detour over the Arabian Sea.
Members of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines voiced worries about escalating operational difficulties due to growing costs and GPS spoofing safety issues that affect flight navigation safety in conflict zones.
