Flights by Thai Airways and other Asian airlines altered or terminated in response to the India-Pakistan dispute.
Thai, Korean, and EVA Air Adjust Routes Amidst India-Pakistan Conflict
Following the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, several Asian airlines, including Thai Airways International, Korean Air, and EVA Air, have announced route adjustments and re-routings for some of their flights.
Thai Airways warned passengers that these changes could potentially cause delays. The statement came as Pakistani airspace and airports were closed due to the conflict.
According to reports, several Asian airlines have either canceled flights or modified their routes to steer clear of Pakistan's airspace due to security concerns.
The latest clash between India and Pakistan, marked by Indian air attacks on Pakistani territory and Pakistan's assertion of shooting down five Indian fighter jets, represents the worst fighting in over two decades between these nuclear-armed adversaries.
EVA Air, based in Taiwan, has decided to adjust its flights to and from Europe to avoid airspace affected by the India-Pakistan conflict, ensuring passenger safety. For instance, one flight from Vienna will be diverted back to Vienna itself, while a flight from Taipei to Milan will be diverted to Vienna for refueling before proceeding to its destination.
Meanwhile, Korean Air has begun rerouting its Seoul Incheon-Dubai flights to a southern route that passes over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, rather than the previous path through Pakistani airspace.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have also disrupted flight plans for Vietnam Airlines, with the airline planning to release updated re-routing schedules soon. Taiwan's China Airlines has activated its contingency plan and taken steps to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew but has yet to provide specific details regarding these measures.
Before the Russia-Ukraine conflict, many Europe-bound flights from Taiwan often overflew Russia, but these airlines are now barred due to Taiwanese sanctions against Moscow. As a result, most airlines now tend to fly over India, Pakistan, and Central Asia instead.
The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has significantly impacted flight routes, particularly affecting Asian airlines and travel between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Here are the key impacts:
- Rerouting and Cancellations: Many airlines, including Korean Air, EVA Air, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air, have either canceled flights or adjusted their routes to avoid Pakistan’s airspace due to security concerns.
- European Refueling Stops: Indian carriers like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have been banned from flying over Pakistan, leading to detours and additional refueling stops in Europe for long-haul flights.
As tensions between India and Pakistan ease, some airlines are gradually resuming halted routes, with many airports reopening.
The ongoing war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan have led to adjustments in lifestyle, particularly for travelers, as many Asian airlines like Thai Airways, Korean Air, EVA Air, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air have had to reroute or cancel flights due to the closures of Pakistani airspace.
Politics and general-news surrounding the India-Pakistan conflict have also influenced the travel industry, causing Asian airlines to modify their routes, which may result in delays, additional refueling stops in Europe for long-haul flights, or altered flight patterns, such as Korean Air's new southern route that bypasses Pakistani airspace.
