European airlines steer clear of Pakistan airspace as India tensions mount

Air France and Lufthansa are among the growing list of carriers taking longer, costlier routes to Asia

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A passenger jet of German airline Lufthansa. Lufthansa Group’s airlines were “avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice” it said in a statement. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:31am, 6 May 2025Updated: 3:58pm, 6 May 2025

Air France and Germany’s Lufthansa are among global carriers avoiding Pakistani airspace, airlines have said and flight-tracking websites show, as tension between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan remained high after a deadly attack in Kashmir last month.

India took measures such as closing its airspace to Pakistan airlines, while Pakistan barred those owned or operated by its neighbour, suspended trade and halted special visas for Indians, although it let international airlines use its airspace.

Lufthansa Group’s airlines were “avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice” it said in a statement on Monday, although that would result in longer flight times on some routes to Asia.

Lufthansa Flight LH760 from Frankfurt to New Delhi had to fly for nearly an hour longer than usual on Sunday because it took a longer route, data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed.

An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard along a street in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Flight-tracking data showed some flights of British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and Emirates travelling over the Arabian Sea and then turning north towards Delhi to avoid Pakistani airspace.

British Airways and Emirates did not immediately respond to requests for comment.