Airlines reroute, cancel flights amid Pakistan-India clashes

TAIPEI/NEW DELHI: As tensions between India and Pakistan intensify following India’s recent strikes on Azad Kashmir, numerous international airlines have rerouted or canceled flights, citing airspace safety concerns. Major carriers like United Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa have altered their flight paths, avoiding Pakistan’s airspace, while domestic flight cancellations have been reported in both countries. The disruption follows Pakistan’s retaliation, which included downing five Indian fighter jets. Authorities in Pakistan have voiced concerns over the risks to commercial flights, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office highlighting the dangers posed to Gulf airlines. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines warned of the safety risks posed by potential GPS spoofing, further complicating operations for airlines. The escalation has severely impacted air travel in South Asia and the Middle East, adding to the region’s existing turmoil.