Flights across South Asia faced widespread disruptions as airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and others, canceled or rerouted services following a surge in tensions between India and Pakistan.
India’s recent strikes on sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir prompted Pakistan to close its airspace, affecting major airlines operating in the region. UAE-based carriers were among the first to respond, with Emirates halting flights to Sialkot, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar while maintaining operations to Karachi.
Etihad Airways confirmed that three of its flights—EY284 to Lahore, EY296 to Karachi, and EY302 to Islamabad—were redirected back to Abu Dhabi mid-flight. “We are closely monitoring the situation. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority,” an Etihad spokesperson stated.
Flydubai also adjusted its operations, maintaining flights to Karachi but temporarily suspending services to other Pakistani destinations. Air Arabia canceled its flights to and from Pakistan from both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, advising passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Experts warned of broader implications for the aviation industry if hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations persist. Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research, highlighted the potential long-term impact. “Prolonged skirmishes will see a decline in flights to the region as it becomes too risky. Airlines could face mounting costs due to cancellations and disrupted schedules,” he said.
Beyond the Middle East, airlines in Asia also adjusted their routes. Taiwan’s EVA Air diverted its European flights, while Korean Air opted for a southern route to avoid Pakistani airspace. Thai Airways similarly rerouted flights to Europe and South Asia, warning of possible delays.