Asian Airlines Reroute Flights Amid India–Pakistan Tensions
Multiple Asian airlines began rerouting or cancelling flights on Wednesday due to growing military tensions, with Pakistan claiming to have downed five Indian jets in the region's most intense skirmish in over two decades.
Over 50 flights were cancelled and dozens more diverted to avoid Pakistani airspace, according to data from FlightRadar24.
Taiwan's EVA Air made the call to tweak its Europe-bound routes, citing safety concerns. Its Vienna-bound flight turned back, while a Taipei–Milan service rerouted to Vienna for a fuel stop. EVA Air shares dropped 1.7% after the announcement.
China Airlines also sprang into action with an emergency response plan, cancelling its nonstop London flight and warning of further changes. Its shares fell more than 2% in Taipei.
Korean Air rerouted its Seoul–Dubai flights via a new path that detours south over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, ditching the usual shortcut through Pakistani skies.
Thai Airways confirmed reroutes for all flights heading to Europe and South Asia, warning that delays are likely as new paths take effect.
Vietnam Airlines said the rising India–Pakistan tension is impacting its flight operations but promised to release updated schedules soon.
Even some Indian-origin flights to Europe had to go the long way. One example? Lufthansa's Delhi–Frankfurt service veered toward the Arabian Sea instead of its usual direct route through Pakistan.
With safety front and center, airlines are staying flexible and watching the skies. Until things cool off, expect longer routes, a few extra hours in transit, and possibly more cancelled flights. Stay strapped in—this airspace drama is still unfolding.
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