Mon May 05 17:50:06 UTC 2025: ## International Airlines Avoid Pakistani Airspace Amidst India-Pakistan Tensions
**New Delhi, May 5, 2025** – Major international airlines, including Air France and Lufthansa, are avoiding Pakistani airspace due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The decision, confirmed by airline statements and flight tracking data, adds to the already strained relationship between the two nuclear-armed nations.
While Pakistan initially kept its airspace open to international carriers, the precautionary measure by several airlines reflects the escalating situation. Following the April attack, India closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines, prompting reciprocal action from Pakistan, which also suspended trade and special visas for Indians.
Lufthansa confirmed the avoidance of Pakistani airspace, acknowledging longer flight times for Asian routes. Flight tracking data revealed rerouting by British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Emirates, adding significant flight durations – up to an hour for flights to New Delhi from Western Europe. Air France also confirmed its suspension of overflights.
The rerouting is expected to increase fuel costs for airlines and decrease Pakistan’s revenue from overflight fees, potentially amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars daily. This adds pressure to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, currently at approximately $10.2 billion. Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority has declined to comment on the situation. The ongoing tensions and airspace closures continue to impact international air travel and the economic relations between the two countries.
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