THAI diverts routes as India-Pakistan strikes shut airspace

Many airlines, including Thai Airways International (THAI), announced that they would re-route flights to Europe and South Asia starting early Wednesday morning due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Following the conflict that erupted earlier in the day, Pakistani airspace and airports were suspended.

Thai Airways stated it would reroute flights to destinations in Europe and South Asia from 5 am on Wednesday. The airline also warned passengers to expect possible delays.

The neighboring countries and longtime rivals exchanged heavy artillery fire along their contested border after India launched missile strikes in retaliation for a deadly terror attack last month.

South Korea

Korean Air began rerouting its flights from Seoul Incheon to Dubai, now using a southern route passing over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India instead of the previous route through Pakistani airspace.

"We are currently monitoring the situation for further changes," a Korean Air official told AFP.

Taiwan

China Airlines reported that several flights were diverted or canceled.

Two flights from Taipei to Frankfurt and Amsterdam made a technical diversion to Bangkok before returning to Taipei. Three flights from Taipei to Prague, Rome, and London were canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"China Airlines continues to monitor the situation and will adjust flight schedules as needed," the airline said.

EVA Air also announced it will adjust its flights to and from Europe based on real-time conditions to avoid affected airspace and ensure passenger and crew safety.

One flight from Vienna to Bangkok returned to Austria, while another from Taipei to Milan was diverted to Vienna for refueling before continuing.

Malaysia

Malaysia Airlines rerouted two flights from Kuala Lumpur—one to London Heathrow and one to Paris Charles de Gaulle—which stopped in Doha before proceeding.

The airline also suspended all flights to and from Amritsar, India, until May 9.

Sri Lanka

SriLankan Airlines confirmed its flights remained unaffected, with no changes to its four weekly services to Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan.