Several of the world’s biggest airlines, British Airways, UAE’s Emirates and Germany’s Lufthansa, are diverting flights to steer clear of Pakistan airspace as tensions between India and Pakistan escalate after recent geopolitical events.
The move is a precautionary one following increased military action in the region, especially after India’s retaliatory air strikes in response to the Pulwama terror attack. Airlines are choosing passenger safety over taking shorter routes, going the extra distance to avoid possible danger.
Airlines Alter Flight Routes
Lufthansa, Emirates, and other carriers have confirmed temporary adjustments to their flight paths, avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice. This has led to minor delays and increased flight durations on certain routes, particularly those connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
“Safety is our top priority,” a Lufthansa spokesperson said. “We are continuously monitoring the situation and will resume normal operations once it is deemed safe.”
Impact on Travel
Travellers between Asia, Europe, and the Americas could face longer flight durations as a result of rerouting. Aviation officials say that the economic and logistical effect on airlines will hinge on the duration of the airspace restrictions.
Which airlines are shunning Pak airspace
Flight tracking information from Flightradar24 indicated that Lufthansa Flight LH760 from Frankfurt to New Delhi flew almost an hour longer on Sunday, as it took a detour to its destination. The carrier added that it is monitoring developments in the region and will update its route accordingly
Flight tracking information indicated some British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and Emirates flights were also heading north towards Delhi to bypass Pakistani airspace, having flown over the Arabian Sea.
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate
The decision comes in the wake of India revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, which has seen heightened hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan earlier closed its airspace for months after the Balakot airstrikes, prompting mass disruptions in worldwide aviation.
Although Pakistan has not made any official announcements of airspace closures, airlines are acting preemptively to steer clear of possible disruptions. The Indian and Pakistani aviation agencies have not issued formal advisories yet, but the situation is being closely monitored.
What’s Next?
Aviation experts believe that if tensions ease, regular operations may be resumed shortly. However, prolonged instability can cause more rerouting and higher operating costs for airlines.
For the time being, tourists are recommended to contact their airlines for up-to-date information on flight times and possible delays.