Flight Cancellations Follow Indo-Pakistani Airstrikes

At Least 13 Pakistani Flights Canceled After Indian Airstrikes – Which Flights Are Affected and What Alternatives Exist?

The tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated once again after India conducted airstrikes in response to increasing military activities at the border. The situation immediately impacted air travel, particularly flights between Pakistan and the UAE. Numerous airlines, including Emirates, Flydubai, and Etihad Airways, have been compelled to adjust their schedules, with several flights being canceled.

Flight Cancellations and Modifications

A spokesperson for Dubai-based Flydubai confirmed in a statement that flights to Pakistan were suspended on May 7, with some flights being rerouted due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. Jinnah International Airport (Karachi) remains operational, but other major airports like Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Sialkot have become inaccessible.

Flydubai emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation and recommend passengers contact their Dubai central customer service at +971 600 54 44 45 or inquire at Flydubai travel offices or with their travel agents about rebooking and refund options.

Emirates Flight Cancellations and Warnings

Emirates also canceled several flights that operated between Dubai and various Pakistani cities. Affected flights included:

EK618/May 6: Dubai – Sialkot

EK619/May 6: Sialkot – Dubai

EK622/May 6: Dubai – Lahore

EK623/May 6: Lahore – Dubai

EK624/May 6: Dubai – Lahore

EK625/May 7: Lahore – Dubai

EK612/May 6: Dubai – Islamabad

EK613/May 7: Islamabad – Dubai

EK636/May 6: Dubai – Peshawar

EK637/May 7: Peshawar – Dubai

An Emirates spokesperson added that passengers with connecting flights heading to Lahore, Sialkot, Islamabad, and Peshawar cannot continue their journey until the situation is resolved. They also advised affected passengers not to head to airports in Pakistan.

Flights to Karachi are not affected and continue to operate as per schedule. Affected passengers are advised to contact their booking agents or the Emirates customer service for alternative travel options.

Etihad Airways Flight Cancellations

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also had to cancel several flights to Pakistan after the closure of Pakistani airspace. Affected flights included:

EY284: Abu Dhabi – Lahore

EY296: Abu Dhabi – Karachi

EY302: Abu Dhabi – Islamabad

Additionally, flights planned for the next day were also canceled:

EY297: Karachi – Abu Dhabi

EY285: Lahore – Abu Dhabi

EY303: Islamabad – Abu Dhabi

An Etihad spokesperson stated that some other flights had to be diverted to avoid the closed airspace, which could result in longer flight times. They emphasized that passenger safety is paramount and are closely coordinating with authorities to monitor the situation. Passengers are encouraged to regularly check flight statuses on the Etihad website, mobile app, or call Etihad customer service at +971 600 555 666.

European Airlines' Reactions

The situation not only affected regional airlines but also prompted several major European airlines to avoid Pakistani airspace. Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways announced they are redirecting their flights to avoid potential risks.

According to an Air France statement, flights through Pakistani airspace have been indefinitely suspended due to "tensions in the South Asia region." Lufthansa confirmed to Reuters that they will not use Pakistani airspace until the situation stabilizes.

Alternative Travel Options and Information

Airlines emphasize that affected passengers should contact their travel agents or airline customer service directly for rebooking and refund options.

The situation presents significant challenges to travelers, as flight cancellations and longer routes not only increase travel time but also travel costs. However, airlines have assured passengers that they are doing everything possible to ensure safe and smooth travel.

(Source of the article: Flydubai and Etihad statements.)