‍Carriers Bypass Pakistan Airspace Amid Regional Tensions‍

‍DALLAS — Several major international carriers, including Air France (AF) and Germany’s Lufthansa (LH), have begun avoiding Pakistani airspace amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries, India and Pakistan, following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir in April 2025. 

This decision comes after India closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines. Pakistan reciprocated by barring Indian-owned or operated airlines, suspending trade, and halting visas for Indians while allowing international airlines from India to use its airspace.

Air France similarly announced suspending airspace overflights, citing the recent evolution of tensions between the two nuclear powers. The French flag carrier has adjusted flight schedules to various destinations, significantly affecting longer travel times and operational disruptions.

Lufthansa Group stated it's “avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice, " resulting in longer flight times on specific Asian routes. For instance, Lufthansa from Frankfurt to New Delhi will take a longer route, extending its flight time by nearly one hour. Flight tracking data showed that British Airways (BA), Swiss International Airlines (LX), and Emirates (EK) are rerouting over the Arabian Sea and then turning north to avoid Pakistani Airspace.

According to the Jerusalem Post, this rerouting has impacted airlines by extending flight durations and increasing fuel consumption,​​ likely driving up ticket prices. Independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie stated, "It could have a significant impact on some foreign airlines who rely heavily on Pakistan airspace, as  well as Pakistan, given the loss of overflight revenues.”

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