Air France and Lufthansa Suspend Flights Over Pakistan Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Conflict
In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, global airlines have begun rerouting to avoid Pakistani airspace. Among them, European giants Air France and Lufthansa have officially suspended operations through Pakistan’s air corridor.
Citing safety concerns, both airlines confirmed that their aircraft will not be flying over Pakistani territory until further notice. The move follows a surge in military and diplomatic strain after the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 dead and sparked strong responses from New Delhi.
“Due to recent geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, Air France has decided to suspend the overflight of Pakistani airspace temporarily,” the airline said in a statement. Lufthansa echoed similar sentiments, stating their aircraft would avoid Pakistan “until further notice” while continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Though these rerouted paths result in extended flight durations and higher operational costs, airlines are prioritizing safety. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that Lufthansa’s Frankfurt-to-Delhi flight (LH760) took nearly an hour longer on Sunday due to the adjusted route.
Other airlines, including British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Emirates, were also seen redirecting their flight paths northward via Delhi after flying over the Arabian Sea, though none issued official statements on the matter.
Air France confirmed alterations in routes to destinations like New Delhi, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, leading to longer travel times and increased fuel consumption. These changes are also expected to impact Pakistan economically, as the country risks losing significant revenue from overflight charges — which, according to Reuters, can reach hundreds of dollars per flight depending on the aircraft’s weight and flight distance.
India’s Retaliatory Measures
India has taken a series of strong actions following the Pahalgam incident, attributing the attack to cross-border terrorism. In response, it suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, banned imports from Pakistan, revoked visas of Pakistani nationals, and barred their ships from Indian ports. Additionally, India has now closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines — a move mirrored by Islamabad.
As both nations harden their stances, the aviation industry faces increasing disruptions — a stark reminder of how geopolitical tensions can ripple across global transportation networks.
