International routes to US, Europe, and Middle East could face delays; airlines urge travelers to reconfirm flight schedules.
📍New Delhi | April 24, 2025:
Following Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace to Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines, major carriers Air India and IndiGo have issued advisories about flight delays and rerouting, primarily impacting international sectors.
#6ETravelAdvisory: In view of the ongoing situation and Pakistan air space closure, a few international flight schedules may be impacted. We’re working to minimise the inconvenience. Check your flight status https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV and rebooking options https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP pic.twitter.com/mdnVObO0ON
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 24, 2025
✈️ Key Airline Updates:
- Air India warned of potential disruptions on routes to the US, Europe, and Middle East.
- IndiGo mentioned that alternate, extended routes may be used to bypass Pakistan’s airspace.
- Both airlines expressed regret over the inconvenience and advised passengers to check flight statuses before heading to airports.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
— Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025
Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused…
📌 Why it matters:
The airspace closure follows India’s diplomatic retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. India’s response included:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals
- Closure of the Attari-Wagah border
- Downgrading diplomatic staff at embassies
🔥 Pakistan’s Reaction:
Pakistan termed India’s move on the Indus Waters Treaty as “water warfare” and threatened retaliation, escalating tensions between the nuclear neighbors.
🛬 PM Modi’s Flight Skipped Pak Airspace:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft rerouted to avoid Pakistani airspace during his return from Saudi Arabia—a move seen as both a security measure and a symbolic message.
🗨️ What the Government Says:
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed top diplomats from the US, EU, Japan, Russia, China, and Qatar about Pakistan’s suspected role in the attack. Evidence reportedly points to Pakistan-based terror outfits, with the Resistance Front (an LeT proxy) claiming responsibility.
🔍 Context:
This incident marks the deadliest terror strike on civilians in India since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Security experts believe the attack bore the hallmark of ISI planning, and a manhunt is underway for the perpetrators.
🏷️ Tags:
Air India, IndiGo, Pakistan Airspace Ban, India Pakistan Tensions, Pahalgam Attack, Flight Delays India, Indus Waters Treaty, PM Modi Flight Reroute, Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISI, India Retaliation Pakistan