Several Asian airlines have cancelled or rerouted flights between Asia and Europe due to heightened military tensions between Pakistan and India, creating widespread air travel disruptions across South Asia. The skirmish erupted after India launched deadly missile attacks on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, killing at least 26 civilians and injuring 46 others, including women and children.
Pakistan labelled the attack “an act of war” and retaliated by shooting down five Indian fighter jets, leading both nations to suspend airspace and halt operations at multiple airports. By Wednesday morning, over 50 flights in and out of Pakistan were cancelled, and more than two dozen international flights diverted, according to FlightRadar24. Pakistan has since restored flight operations over Lahore and Karachi, issuing a fresh NOTAM to confirm airspace reopening.
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Asian carriers such as EVA Air, China Airlines, Korean Air, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines rerouted flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, with EVA and China Airlines also reporting share drops following the disruptions. Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo were heavily impacted, as IndiGo shares dipped by 1.8%.
Aviation authorities and airline associations have cautioned of increasing risks in conflict zones, including potential GPS spoofing threats that can compromise aircraft navigation.
