Several Gulf airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, have canceled or rerouted flights to Pakistan due to ongoing disruptions caused by airport closures in northern India. The closure of key airports, including those in Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, is significantly affecting flight routes across the region. The airline cancellations have primarily impacted flights to and from major Pakistani cities such as Sialkot, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.
Airline Cancellations and Rerouted Flights
Emirates, one of the largest Gulf carriers, announced that it had canceled its flights from Dubai to multiple cities in Pakistan, including Sialkot, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, on Wednesday. The airline advised its passengers not to go to the airport if their flights had been canceled. However, Emirates confirmed that flights to and from Karachi remain unaffected and will operate according to schedule.
Etihad Airways also made significant changes to its flight schedules, canceling flights to Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. The airline mentioned that some of its services might be rerouted to avoid the affected airspace. These adjustments are expected to extend the flight times for some travelers.
Qatar Airways temporarily suspended all flights to Pakistan, citing the closure of Pakistani airspace as the reason. The airline stated that it was closely monitoring the evolving situation and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew as its top priority.
Impact on Indian Carriers and Regional Flights
The airspace disruptions have not only affected Gulf airlines but also Indian carriers. Airlines such as SpiceJet and IndiGo have issued travel advisories warning passengers about cancellations and delays to northern Indian destinations. Airports in northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are currently closed. The closures are expected to last until further notice, causing significant travel disruptions for both domestic and international flights.
SpiceJet advised passengers to check flight statuses before traveling, as departures and arrivals to these airports will likely be impacted. Additionally, the airline warned that consequential flights from these destinations might also experience delays.
Wider Impact on International Flights
The disruption in northern India has also affected international flight routes. Many major airlines have been forced to reroute flights to Europe and other international destinations in order to avoid flying over Pakistan. According to FlightRadar24 data, more than 25 international flights were diverted on Wednesday alone. These changes are largely a result of the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following India’s military actions early Wednesday morning.
Ongoing Situation and Airline Adjustments
Several international airlines had already been rerouting flights away from Pakistani airspace in the days leading up to the escalation, due to the ongoing military tensions between India and Pakistan. This further complicates the situation for airlines and passengers alike, as many airlines now need to reassess their flight paths and schedules.
While airlines have confirmed they are doing their best to minimize disruptions, passengers are advised to stay updated on any changes to their travel plans. Both passengers flying to Pakistan and those connecting via northern India are strongly encouraged to check with their airlines regularly for updates and to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Safety and Travel Precautions
Despite the cancellations, airlines continue to emphasize passenger safety. Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates all stated that the decision to cancel or reroute flights was made with the utmost consideration for passenger and crew safety. Experts continue to monitor the situation closely, as the political and military tensions in the region evolve.
The disruption in flight schedules, coupled with ongoing uncertainty about airspace closures, has added to the challenges faced by passengers in the region. Travelers are urged to keep in touch with their airlines for the latest information and to ensure they are well-prepared for any unexpected changes to their travel plans.
