Many flights have been cancelled or rerouted amid Pakistan airspace closure. Photo by Flightradar24.
Data from flight tracking website Flightradar24 has shown numerous aircraft that typically fly over Pakistan and northern India rerouted via the Red Sea and southern India, significantly extending flight times.
Airlines across Southeast and East Asia have scrambled to adjust their flight paths following India’s recent airstrikes, which have triggered heightened military tension with Pakistan.
The duration of the airspace closure and how long it will take airlines to adjust their flight schedules remains uncertain.
Pakistan closed its airspace at 2.55 am (Vietnam time) on May 7. In response, Vietnam Airlines rerouted several Europe-bound flights to ensure passenger safety. The affected routes included VN36 and VN37 between Hanoi and Frankfurt, VN30 and VN31 between HCM City and Frankfurt, VN10 and VN11 between HCM City and Paris, VN18 and VN19 between Hanoi and Paris, and VN50 from London to HCM City.
Vietnam Airlines stated that further adjustments may be made depending on regional developments. The airline closely monitors updates from aviation authorities and will notify passengers of any changes to their itineraries.
Flights between Asia and Europe typically cross Indian, Pakistani, and Central Asian airspace. Due to the current geopolitical instability, many international airlines are avoiding Pakistani airspace.
Thai Airways reported that eight flights to European destinations such as London, Munich, and Frankfurt were rerouted and delayed. Flights to Brussels and Paris were unaffected. One flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok was forced to make an emergency landing in Dubai.
Thailand’s Airports Authority said contingency plans were in place to assist passengers who might miss connecting flights, particularly at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. As of early afternoon, no missed connections had been reported.
Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan also reported delays and rerouting of several Europe-bound flights due to the disruption of South Asia airspace.
Flights to Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Rome, and London were redirected to land in Bangkok. A scheduled flight to London on the morning of May 8 was cancelled.
Japan Airlines announced that flights to Doha would be rerouted, while flights to New Delhi and Bengaluru would carry additional fuel reserves as a precaution.
Indonesia’s Batik Air, a subsidiary of Lion Air Group, cancelled flights to and from Lahore (Pakistan) and Amritsar (India) on May 7 and 8.
Similarly, Malaysia Airlines confirmed that flights from Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle had been rerouted. The flights made short fuel stops in Doha (Qatar) before continuing to their final destinations.
“Amritsar Airport in India’s Punjab state has been temporarily closed from May 7 to 9 for security and operational reasons,” Malaysia Airlines said. “All flights to and from Amritsar during this period have been suspended.”
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” the airline added. “We closely monitor the situation and will take all necessary measures to ensure safe and reliable operations.”
