The deadly attack that occurred last Wednesday in Pahlgam, Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Indian citizens, has reignited tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Indian government has blamed the attack on a Pakistani terrorist organization and, in response, Pakistan announced the closure of its airspace to flights originating from India — a move that has led to widespread disruptions in aviation.
In response, Air India announced that some flights to destinations in Europe, North America, and the Middle East will be extended due to the need for air deviations: “We apologize for the inconvenience and are committed to closely monitoring and minimizing the impact on passengers.”
SpiceJet issued a similar official warning: "Due to the closure of the airspace by Pakistan, some flights may be extended. We recommend passengers check their flight status on the company’s website."
Photo:X Spice JetThe largest operator in India, IndiGo, also issued an update for passengers: "Due to the sudden announcement of airspace closure by Pakistan, some of our international flights are affected. We are doing our best to assist passengers in reaching their destinations as soon as possible. We recommend checking the current status on the company’s website and reviewing options for flexible changes or refunds as necessary."
The air closure forces airlines to make significant detours, extending flight times and causing substantial disruptions in air traffic to and from India, especially for flights to Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East.
Indian airlines are urging passengers to stay updated online on flight status before arriving at the airport, prepare for delays in flight times, especially on international routes, and follow announcements and updates from Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo and other airlines.
Photo: Indigo X