Report Thai Airways Alters Routes Amid India-Pakistan Conflict Escalation

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, several Asian airlines have had to urgently revise their flight paths to Europe, leading to widespread re-routing and cancellations. The conflict, intensifying over recent days, instigated Pakistan to close its airspace after reportedly shooting down five Indian fighter jets, marking the most severe military engagement between the two nations in over two decades.

 

The closure of Pakistani airspace has forced Thai Airways International (THAI) to reroute its flights destined for Europe and South Asia, effective from early Wednesday morning. The airline has cautioned that this necessary measure could cause delays, as aircraft are diverted along longer flight paths to avoid the restricted area.

 

Taiwan’s EVA Air has similarly adjusted its operations, announcing modifications to its routes to and from Europe to ensure passenger safety amidst the conflict. A notable example being a flight from Vienna being diverted back, and a Taipei-Milan flight redirected to Vienna for refuelling. These adjustments are indicative of the complex logistical decisions airlines face when confronted with unexpected geopolitical turmoil.

 

Korean Air has also begun rerouting its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights. Instead of flying over Pakistani airspace, the airline has opted for a southern route that takes its flights over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India. This change underscores the widespread impact of the airspace closure, influencing routes far beyond the immediate region.

 

Vietnam Airlines has acknowledged the impact of the India-Pakistan tensions on its operations, promising to release detailed rerouting schedules soon. Meanwhile, Taiwan's China Airlines has activated contingency plans, taking necessary steps to prioritise the safety of passengers and crew, though specifics remain undisclosed. The airline's non-stop flight to London from Taipei was cancelled, as indicated by Taoyuan Airport’s website.

 

This chaotic scenario for airlines follows the recent challenges posed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which had already altered many Europe-bound flights from Asia. Previously, many routes from Taiwan flew over Russia, but flights are now prohibited from doing so due to sanctions imposed by Taipei aligning with Western countries.

 

The current India-Pakistan conflict not only represents a significant military dispute but also highlights the delicate nature of international air travel amid geopolitical tensions. Airlines are having to navigate these complexities, ensuring safety while minimising disruptions for travellers across the globe. As the situation develops, airlines and passengers alike will be keenly observing for any signs of resolution or further escalation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-07

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

What I feared from the moment I read the headlines about these war crazy people.

Another detour added.

Flying Europe to Thailand becomes a zig zag.

[KhunBENQ]

ZRH to BKK

going over Saudi Arabia!

 

[Homburg]

I am booked on TG917 next week, so I am very, very relieved to hear that Thai Airways is adjusting its flight paths to avoid (yet another) conflict area, but if this unrest spreads much more then travel between Europe and SE Asia and may be safest achieved by flying via USA and then across the Pacific.

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

What I feared from the moment I read the headlines about these war crazy people.

Another detour added.

Flying Europe to Thailand becomes a zig zag.

Arriving in Thailand it's all zig-zag.

[KhunBENQ]

Is it over?

Just seen two flights from London heading straight to Afghanistan/Pakistan?

No it's not.

Flights over northern Tibet? Stunning.

 

[lavender19]

Wait for the price rises because of yhis

[KhunBENQ]

17 minutes ago, lavender19 said:

Wait for the price rises because of yhis

If it lasts you can be sure.

 

31 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Flights over northern Tibet? Stunning.

The map is a bit hard to read.

Guess it's north OF Tibet not over Tibet which usually is a no no.

[JonnyF]

My Sister in Law had her flight cancelled/postponed because of this.

 

It's causing a lot of issues.  

[cowellandrew]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, several Asian airlines have had to urgently revise their flight paths to Europe, leading to widespread re-routing and cancellations. The conflict, intensifying over recent days, instigated Pakistan to close its airspace after reportedly shooting down five Indian fighter jets, marking the most severe military engagement between the two nations in over two decades.

 

The closure of Pakistani airspace has forced Thai Airways International (THAI) to reroute its flights destined for Europe and South Asia, effective from early Wednesday morning. The airline has cautioned that this necessary measure could cause delays, as aircraft are diverted along longer flight paths to avoid the restricted area.

 

Taiwan’s EVA Air has similarly adjusted its operations, announcing modifications to its routes to and from Europe to ensure passenger safety amidst the conflict. A notable example being a flight from Vienna being diverted back, and a Taipei-Milan flight redirected to Vienna for refuelling. These adjustments are indicative of the complex logistical decisions airlines face when confronted with unexpected geopolitical turmoil.

 

Korean Air has also begun rerouting its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights. Instead of flying over Pakistani airspace, the airline has opted for a southern route that takes its flights over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India. This change underscores the widespread impact of the airspace closure, influencing routes far beyond the immediate region.

 

Vietnam Airlines has acknowledged the impact of the India-Pakistan tensions on its operations, promising to release detailed rerouting schedules soon. Meanwhile, Taiwan's China Airlines has activated contingency plans, taking necessary steps to prioritise the safety of passengers and crew, though specifics remain undisclosed. The airline's non-stop flight to London from Taipei was cancelled, as indicated by Taoyuan Airport’s website.

 

This chaotic scenario for airlines follows the recent challenges posed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which had already altered many Europe-bound flights from Asia. Previously, many routes from Taiwan flew over Russia, but flights are now prohibited from doing so due to sanctions imposed by Taipei aligning with Western countries.

 

The current India-Pakistan conflict not only represents a significant military dispute but also highlights the delicate nature of international air travel amid geopolitical tensions. Airlines are having to navigate these complexities, ensuring safety while minimising disruptions for travellers across the globe. As the situation develops, airlines and passengers alike will be keenly observing for any signs of resolution or further escalation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-07

 

 

Fly Ethiopia Air!

😁😁😁

[sungod]

3 minutes ago, cowellandrew said:

Fly Ethiopia Air!

😁😁😁

Obviously didnt get the memo

[Quentin Zen]

YTers and Influencers will get to fly directly over the area, in a helicopter, taking selfies for no less than 4 days.  

[Clarkey611]

Both EVA and TG from BKK to LHR yesterday took 12 hours 30 minutes with multiple changes of course during the flight. Had the pleasure (not!) of flying over Iranian airspace. Both flights experienced nauseating turbulence over the Black Sea.

[KhunBENQ]

12 minutes ago, Clarkey611 said:

Had the pleasure (not!) of flying over Iranian airspace

From/to other European destinations it's quite usual.

Seen flights touching Iraqi airspace, Saudi Arabia...

 

[KhunBENQ]

Heavy affected is Finnair.

Now not only Russia/Ukraine off limits.

Linear distance:   7.917 km

Flight distance:    10.790 km

 

[falang1969]

TG910 on the 7th.

 

BKK-LHR, diverted to Frankfurt after a large detour, I wonder if it was for refuelling?

 

 

[radiochaser]

3 hours ago, cowellandrew said:

Fly Ethiopia Air!

😁😁😁

Have you ever been at the Adis Ababa airport?   I have.   Never again unless it's absolutely necessary! 

[Dexxter]

15 hours ago, Homburg said:

flying via USA

Flying via the USA is not safe or easy. Don't you need to get an additional visa even to transit via the USA? Make sure you don't have any tattoos or you might get a detour to El Salvador.

[Equatorial]

4 hours ago, Dexxter said:

Flying via the USA is not safe or easy.

 

Flying via the USA is both safe and easy. Unless, of course, one has MS-13 tats...