Skies on Alert: Airlines Avoid Pakistan as South Asia Edges Toward Conflict

Growing hostility between India and Pakistan has forced major airlines to change flight paths to avoid Pakistani airspace, disrupting travel amid rising fears of conflict. Air France and Lufthansa have suspended flights over Pakistan, citing security concerns. Their aircraft now take alternate, longer routes to minimize risk.

Other airlines, including Swiss and British Airways, were observed flying detour routes over the Arabian Sea before turning north, according to flight data. The trigger was a massacre in Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed. India pointed fingers at Pakistan-based militants, though Pakistan has denied responsibility.

The diplomatic fallout has led to both sides closing airspace to each other, while military activities and rhetoric have intensified in recent days.

Pakistan tested missiles twice in one week, while India ordered mock drills and conducted naval strike tests, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The UN, along with the U.S. and China, is urging peace, warning that the situation could rapidly spiral into an uncontrollable military escalation.