Asian airlines reroute or cancel flights due to India–Pakistan conflict

As fighting between India and Pakistan intensifies, several Asian airlines have re-routed or cancelled flights to Europe, including those by Taiwan’s EVA Air, Korean Air, and Thai Airways, citing safety concerns due to airspace closures and military actions.

Several major Asian airlines have announced changes to their flight schedules, rerouting or cancelling services to and from Europe due to the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

Taiwan's EVA Air confirmed it would adjust its European flight routes, including diverting a flight from Taipei to Milan via Vienna for refueling, to avoid areas of airspace affected by the ongoing military conflict. One of its flights from Vienna will return to the city rather than continuing its journey.

Korean Air also announced a change to its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights, choosing a southern route over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, instead of the previously used path through Pakistani airspace, which has been affected by the ongoing military clashes.

Thai Airways warned of potential delays as it began rerouting its flights to both Europe and South Asia starting early Wednesday. The airline urged passengers to be prepared for possible disruptions.

Vietnam Airlines acknowledged the impact of the tensions on its flight schedules, with plans to release detailed information about rerouting options in the coming hours.

China Airlines, also based in Taiwan, activated its contingency plan to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The airline did not elaborate on specific flight changes but confirmed that a non-stop flight to London scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled, according to the Taoyuan International Airport website.

The changes come after a series of military exchanges between India and Pakistan, including airstrikes and fighter jet shootdowns, marking the worst fighting in more than two decades between the two nuclear-armed nations. The conflict has triggered widespread concerns about airspace safety in the region, prompting airlines to adjust their operations accordingly.

Copied