Indo-Pak violence forces flight disruptions, airport closures

Several Asian airlines have cancelled or diverted flights in the wake of violence following India's missile strikes on targets in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and elsewhere in Pakistan early Wednesday.

The rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours triggered airspace restrictions and airport closures, reports Reuters.

India's national carrier Air India suspended operations to and from multiple cities — including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot — citing temporary airport closures amid the heightened security situation. The airline stated that the suspensions would remain in place until May 10.

Malaysia Airlines has also cancelled flights to Amritsar, India, according to local media outlet The Star. "We will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure safe and reliable operations," the airline told the outlet, adding that the suspension would last through May 9. The carrier also rerouted two of its long-haul flights after Pakistan closed its airspace.

Indonesia's Batik Air reported that it had cancelled several flights to and from Lahore, Pakistan, and Amritsar, India, citing ongoing airspace restrictions caused by the deteriorating security situation between India and Pakistan.

According to Reuters, other Asian carriers have also modified their routes to and from Europe as a precaution.

Taiwan's EVA Air announced that it would alter its Europe-bound routes to avoid airspace affected by the conflict. One flight from Vienna had to return to its origin, while a Taipei–Milan service was rerouted to Vienna for refuelling before resuming its journey.

Korean Air rerouted its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights on Wednesday via a southern route over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, completely avoiding Pakistani airspace.

Thai Airways said that its flights to Europe and South Asia would follow new routes starting early Wednesday and warned passengers to expect possible delays.

Taiwan's China Airlines confirmed it had activated its contingency plan to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, though it did not provide further details.