Airlines worldwide are scrambling as India-Pakistan tensions shut key air routes and spark safety fears.
Deadly Strikes Spark Airspace Chaos
The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed precision strikes on nine militant targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Tuesday night (6 May). The operation was a retaliation for a terror attack in April that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif fired back, warning India will “suffer the consequences” of its “cowardly attack”. Pakistan claims 31 people died in India’s strikes, while heavy shelling along the Line of Control has already claimed lives on both sides, including 16 civilians and one Indian soldier in India’s Poonch district.
Airspace Shutdowns Bring Global Flight Havoc
1 shut down its entire airspace for 48 hours. India followed, closing airports in volatile northern hubs like Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Dharamshala, and Amritsar. These closures blitzed both domestic and international flights.
While Pakistan has reopened its skies, major airlines remain jittery, keeping flights limited for now.
- A staggering 430 Indian flights were cancelled.
- 147 Pakistani flights also grounded.
- 57 international planes were caught mid-air over Pakistan during the strikes.
Big Name Airlines Reroute and Cancel
- British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Korean Air have cancelled or rerouted flights.
- United Airlines pulled services to Delhi.
- American Airlines adjusted its routes.
- Gulf carriers halted flights to hotspots Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, and Amritsar.
Travel Warnings and Your Rights
The UK Foreign Office urges travellers to:
- Steer clear of all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border.
- Avoid non-essential trips to northern Pakistan, especially within 10 miles of the Line of Control.
Keep a close eye on airline announcements and government travel advice before you fly.
If your flight’s cancelled, remember:
- EU and UK laws guarantee refunds or rerouting.
- Airlines must offer meals and accommodation if you’re stranded.
- Compensation may be due unless disruptions are beyond the airline’s control.
Delhi Airport spokesperson: “Changing airspace conditions have impacted some flights. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise disruptions. Passenger safety remains our top priority.”
