Airlines around the world are cancelling flights, diverting aircraft, and scrambling to reroute operations as escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan close off key air corridors and threaten passenger safety.
The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that on Tuesday night (6 May) it conducted precision strikes on nine militant targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in April that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali national.
In response, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to make India “suffer the consequences” for its “cowardly attack,” stating that 31 people were killed in India’s strikes. Both countries have since reported heavy shelling across the Line of Control, with fatalities including 16 civilians and one Indian soldier in India’s Poonch district.
Airspace Closures Trigger Global Flight Disruption
Pakistan imposed a 48-hour nationwide airspace closure, while India shut down airports in its northern regions, including Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Dharamshala and Amritsar. These closures affected both international and domestic carriers.
Although Pakistan has since reopened its airspace, it’s unclear whether full commercial operations have resumed, as major international carriers remain cautious.
At the peak of the disruption:
- 430 Indian flights were cancelled
- 147 Pakistani flights were cancelled
- 57 international aircraft were airborne over Pakistan during the Indian strikes
Major Airlines Affected
- British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Korean Air have all cancelled or rerouted flights.
- United Airlines cancelled services to Delhi
- American Airlines confirmed route adjustments
- Gulf carriers suspended flights to Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, and Amritsar
Travel Warnings and Flight Refund Advice
The UK Foreign Office advises:
- Avoid all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border
- Avoid all but essential travel to northern Pakistan, including within 10 miles of the Line of Control
Travelers are urged to monitor airline updates and consult the latest government travel advice.
If your flight is cancelled:
- EU and UK laws entitle passengers to refunds or rerouting
- Accommodation and meals must be provided if stranded
- Compensation may apply unless disruption is beyond airline control
A Delhi Airport spokesperson said:
“Changing airspace conditions have impacted some flights. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise disruptions. Passenger safety remains our top priority.”
