Air France, Germany’s Lufthansa not to use Pakistani airspace due to India-Pakistan tensions

International carriers Air France and Germany’s Lufthansa have decided not to use Pakistani airspace amid tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack last month.

In a statement, Air France said, “Due to recent tensions between India and Pakistan, the airline has decided to suspend overflight of Pakistan until further notice.”

These carriers are choosing longer routes to avoid Pakistani airspace.

With destinations like Delhi, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, Air France said that it was changing its flight schedule and plans, which would result in longer trip durations.

According to data from flight tracking website Flightradar24, Lufthansa Flight LH760 from Frankfurt to New Delhi had to take a longer path on Sunday, resulting in a nearly one-hour flight extension. 

In the meantime, Advocate Vishal Tiwari’s PIL, which sought to protect tourists from terrorist assaults, particularly in hilly regions and isolated locations during the summer, was dismissed by the Supreme Court. After the counsel requested permission to withdraw the plea, the court dismissed it. 

Tensions between India and Pakistan began after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley. Since then, India has taken several actions. The Indus Water Treaty has even been suspended by the nation. The Indian government has prohibited all imports from Pakistan, revoked most Pakistani nationals’ visas, prohibited its vessels from docking at Indian ports, and more.

Furthermore, India has prohibited Pakistani airlines from using its airspace.