Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 individuals, it isn’t just the two sparring countries that have suspended flights in each other’s airspace. Two major international carriers – Air France and Lufthansa – have also decided to avoid Pakistan’s airspace for now.
In a statement, Air France said that “due to recent tensions between India and Pakistan, the airline has decided to suspend overflight of Pakistan until further notice”. Lufthansa, in its statement to Reuters, said that its aircraft are “avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice”.
While Air France altered its flight schedule with destinations that include New Delhi, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh; Lufthansa Flight LH760 from Frankfurt to New Delhi flew an hour longer in a bid to avoid Pak airspace.
In fact, flight tracking data shows flights of British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and Emirates turn north towards New Delhi after flying over the Arabian Sea, even if it results in longer flight times and more fuel. Reuters says suspension of flights will cost Pakistan hefty overflight fees that can run into hundreds of dollars per flight.
Besides flights, India has also barred Pakistan’s ships from entering India’s ports and banned all imports from it, inviting a similar counter action from the neighboring country.
Also Read: India halts all imports from Pakistan citing security threat
Follow us
