Military tensions force airport closures and airspace restrictions across India and Pakistan

Air travel across South Asia has been severely disrupted after a military escalation between India and Pakistan led to widespread airspace and airport closures. The crisis, triggered by Indian airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, on May 7th, has grounded flights and airports.

What’s currently happening to India and Pakistan airports and airspace?

In Pakistan, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) initially shut its airspace entirely for 48 hours, halting all domestic and international flights. While air traffic has now resumed on major routes, the PAA said on Wednesday that some airspace, particularly over Lahore, remains restricted for another 24 hours due to operational concerns. Islamabad International Airport (ISB) remains functional, though flights must receive specific clearance from Air Traffic Control.

In a statement, the PAA announced it had raised formal concerns with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), criticising India’s actions as “reckless and provocative,” warning they posed “serious risks to civil aviation safety.”

Meanwhile, in India, at least 21 airports across the north have been closed for passenger flights until 5:29am on 10 May.

Many of the affected Indian airports are shared with military operations, such as those in Gwalior, Hindon, and Patiala. International airlines have also been forced to reroute around Pakistani airspace, extending flight durations. Carriers like Singapore Airlines, KLM, United Airlines, and Korean Air have altered routes or cancelled services entirely.

Flight tracking data reveals commercial aircraft diverting over Oman, the UAE, and the Arabian Sea to avoid the conflict zone, raising fears of regional airspace congestion.

While Pakistan says its airspace is now largely open and safe for civil use, authorities warn the situation remains volatile.

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