Airspace Tensions: Global Airlines Reroute Flights Amid India-Pakistan Conflict

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, airlines such as United Airlines and Korean Air have been forced to reroute or cancel flights, with a dozen airports in India temporarily shut down on Wednesday. This followed India's strike on nine sites in Pakistan after an earlier Islamist militant attack in Indian Kashmir.

The aviation chaos is further compounded by Pakistan reportedly downing five Indian jets, according to reports, raising fears of a full airspace closure similar to the 2019 incident. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office criticized India's actions for creating grave danger to commercial airlines from Gulf nations, showcasing the airspace congestion implications.

As international carriers like Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines avoid Pakistani airspace, domestic flights in both India and Pakistan are also affected. The aviation industry is expressing concerns over GPS spoofing risks in conflict zones, exacerbating safety issues and complicating already disrupted flight operations. FlightRadar24 data indicates significant cancellations and route adjustments.

(With inputs from agencies.)