Lufthansa, Air France, others avoid Pakistan airspace amid tensions

Lufthansa planes parked at Frankfurt airport, Germany.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Air France and Germany’s Lufthansa were among global carriers avoiding Pakistani airspace on Monday (May 5, 2025), according to airline statements and flight tracking data, as tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan remain high following the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

While Pakistan had previously kept its airspace open for international carriers despite reciprocal airspace closures with India for each other’s airlines after the April attack, the current avoidance by some major airlines reflects precautionary measures due to the sustained tensions. Following the attack, India had closed its airspace to Pakistan-affiliated airlines, while Pakistan reciprocated, suspended trade, and halted special visas for Indians.

Lufthansa Group confirmed its airlines are “avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice,” acknowledging in a statement to Reuters that this would result in longer flight times on some Asian routes. The group added that it is closely monitoring developments.

Flight tracking data indicated that some flights operated by British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss), and Emirates were rerouting only after reaching the Gulf of Kutch, turning north towards Delhi after flying over the Arabian Sea, apparently to bypass Pakistani airspace.

British Airways and Emirates did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Air France, in a statement, confirmed its decision “to suspend overflight of Pakistan until further notice,” citing the “recent evolution of tensions” between India and Pakistan. The carrier noted it was altering flight schedules and plans for destinations such as Delhi, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, leading to longer flight times. Data showed that flights from Western Europe to New Delhi had to fly nearly an hour longer due to rerouting

These alterations resulting in longer flight durations had also increased fuel costs for airlines. They are also expected to reduce Pakistan’s earnings from overflight fees, which can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars daily. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves with its central bank currently stand at approximately $10.2 billion, sufficient cover for about two months of imports.

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority declined to comment on the matter when contacted.