Mounting tensions between Pakistan and India are affecting air travel today and stranding hundreds of travellers flying from Thailand to Europe. British media sources, including the BBC, are reporting the closure of airspace over Pakistan and northern India after two Indian military jets were shot down. They report that one of India’s MiG-21 fighter jets was lost and its pilot captured in “a major escalation between the nuclear powers over Kashmir.”
Flights are being rerouted and cancelled
The resulting aviation chaos has meant rerouting of flights from the Far East. Air India, British Airways, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines rerouted flights to avoid the airspace. However, Thai Airways cancelled all its flights from Thailand to Europe. Bangkok Airport reports the cancellation of Thai Airways flights for Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm and Zurich. Thai Airways also cancelled today’s flights to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
SunExpress Deutschland cancelled its flight to Dusseldorf.
Pakistan flights and airspace status
Pakistan International Airlines said their flights may be affected as a precautionary measure and urged travellers with questions to call their helpline at +92 021 111 786 786.
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority says North East and North Western airspace is closed until further notice, but Pakistani airspace has been partially restored, starting with Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
Keep updated on flight status
Check out the latest flight radar status with FlightRadar24.
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