Impact Of India Pakistan Ongoing War On Travel To India And Pakistan

Increased tensions along the India-Pakistan borders in May 2025 have led to widespread disruption in air travel across South Asia. Dozens of flights have been cancelled or rerouted, with airspace closures and airport shutdowns enforced by civil aviation authorities in the affected regions. For instance, Air India cancelled flights to several border-city destinations—including Amritsar, Srinagar, Leh, and Chandigarh—until at least 10 May. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) reported approximately 140 flight cancellations on 7 May, including around 65 arrivals and 66 departures. Meanwhile, Pakistan temporarily closed its airspace (reportedly for 48 hours starting 6 May), forcing many international airlines to reroute flights.

As a result, both inbound and outbound tourism in India and Pakistan has been severely affected. Travelers are facing reduced flight availability, official travel advisories, and the need to reschedule itineraries or seek alternative routes. The situation remains volatile. While civilian airports in major urban centers are still operational, flights to and from high-risk areas are under strict restriction.

Governments and airlines are advising travelers to stay informed and flexible. Below is a detailed overview of how major Indian airports and air routes are impacted, how tourism is being affected across the region, answers to frequently asked questions from travelers (including concerns about safety, cancellations, and refunds), and practical guidance for booking flights during geopolitical crises.
 

Current Flight Disruptions and Airspace Restrictions
Commercial flight operations have been significantly hampered after India's May 6-7, 2025, Operation Sindoor airstrike on sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to Reuters.com and NDTV.com, both nations blocked portions of their airspace to the other's carriers. There were hardly no civilian flights over northwest India and Pakistan, according to flight-tracking data. Following India's retaliation, "about a dozen Indian airports were shut," according to Reuters, and as of May 7, 17% of scheduled flights in Pakistan and 3% of scheduled flights in India had been canceled. In actuality, this means that international carriers rerouted flights around the region, and the majority of airlines canceled flights to and from northern Indian towns.
 

• Cancelled Flights: Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have halted flights to many northern destinations (e.g. Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, etc.). IndiGo specifically noted that airports in parts of northern India (including Amritsar) are “closed until further notice”. On May 7 alone, Air India announced cancellation of all flights to/from a list of airports (Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, Rajkot) through May 10. SpiceJet similarly cancelled flights to/from Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Kandla, and Dharamshala until May 10.

• Rerouted Flights: Many international and domestic airlines have been forced to take longer routes. For example, Lufthansa and Air France are avoiding Pakistani airspace completely, and KLM stopped flying over Pakistan. Korean Air re-routed its Seoul–Dubai flights via Myanmar and Bangladesh. United Airlines even canceled its Newark–Delhi flight citing “airspace limitations”. Flight data showed lines of planes diverted south via Oman, UAE and beyond, causing congestion over those areas. As a result, flight durations to Europe, North America and other regions are longer than usual.

• Airspace Notices (NOTAMs): India issued notices (NOTAMs) closing off western/northern corridors. NDTV reported that “the airspace in India’s western region along the border with Pakistan is no longer available for commercial flights”. Similarly, Pakistan announced a 48-hour airspace closure from May 6, 2025. Airlines are adjusting daily – many advise passengers to check flight status and plan alternate routes as the situation evolves.Taken together, these disruptions mean significant uncertainty for travelers. Flights can be canceled at short notice, and standard routes may not apply. The rest of this post breaks down the specific impacts and offers guidance.

Taken together, these disruptions mean significant uncertainty for travelers. Flights can be canceled at short notice, and standard routes may not apply. The rest of this post breaks down the specific impacts and offers guidance.

Impact on Major Indian Airports

Several Indian airports have been directly affected by the airspace closures and cancellations. Below are the status updates for Amritsar, Delhi, Chandigarh, plus a brief look at other notable airports.

• Amritsar Airport (ATQ) Closure Update

  Status: Closed/suspended operations. Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is among the hardest-hit. Air India cancelled all flights to/from Amritsar due to airport closures. IndiGo also listed Amritsar (ATQ) as closed indefinitely. The shutdown is expected to last until at least May 10. Even international carriers cancelled Amritsar flights – for example, Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air suspended services involving Amritsar.

  Travelers planning to fly into Amritsar should look for alternate airports or dates. One option is to fly into Delhi (DEL) or Chandigarh (IXC) and proceed by train or car to Amritsar (about 230 km from Delhi, ~200 km from Chandigarh). Note that two flights bound for Amritsar were already diverted to Delhi on May 7, illustrating the rerouting. Airlines have said that valid Amritsar tickets will be refunded or rebooked .

• Delhi IGI Airport (DEL/IGI) Disruptions

  Status: Operating with many cancellations. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is still open, but major disruptions occurred on May 7. Delhi Airport Ltd (DIAL) reported about 140 flights cancelled in one day, affecting both domestic (65 in/66 out) and a few international flights. This included four international departures being cancelled since midnight (including an American Airlines flight). DIAL advised passengers: “Due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates and alternate travel arrangements”.

  For now, Delhi remains the key international gateway. Airlines serving Delhi have temporarily lifted some restrictions – for example, flights to Kashmir region (Srinagar, Leh, etc.) were cancelled but are expected to resume after the immediate crisis. Travel Tip: If your original flight is cancelled, check with your airline or use Skyhawker’s alerts to find the next available service. You can often rebook on the same airline without fees (see Refunds & Changes below).

• Chandigarh Airport (IXC) Updates

  Status: Suspended/canceled flights. Chandigarh’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC) has also seen its flights cancelled. Air India announced suspending all flights to/from Chandigarh until further notice. NDTV confirms Chandigarh was one of at least 18 airports temporarily shut. In effect, no commercial flights are leaving or entering Chandigarh until tensions ease.

  Chandigarh (IXC): Chandigarh International Airport and its approach road at dusk. All flights to/from Chandigarh were suspended during the crisis. Travelers should instead fly via Delhi (DEL) or Amritsar (ATQ) (if reopened) and proceed by road.

• With IXC closed, many travelers will need to reroute. The nearest major airport is Delhi, about 240 km away by road. Again, check train/bus connections from Delhi to reach Chandigarh. If you must go to Chandigarh, ensure your onward bus/train ticket can be changed or refunded, and allow extra travel time.

• Other Affected Airports

  In addition to the above, numerous smaller airports in India’s north and west were closed on May 7. Reported closures include: Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Pathankot, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Kandla, and Rajkot. Most of these serve domestic or regional traffic. Airlines cancelled all or most flights to these fields on May 7 and cited an indefinite suspension.

  • Srinagar (SXR): Closed on May 7; flights canceled by multiple carriers.

  • Leh (IXL): Closed; flights canceled.

  • Jammu (IXJ): Closed; flights canceled.

  • Pathankot, Dharamshala, Shimla, Jodhpur, etc.: Closed.

  These closures were preventive safety measures. If you had plans to visit these locations (famous tourist or pilgrimage sites), expect your flights to be cancelled and consider delaying travel until authorities reopen airports. Some ground travel (road or train) might still be possible in these regions, but check local news for security updates.

Cross-Border Flights and International Routes

All flights between India and Pakistan are suspended. Commercial air links do not exist in the current climate – previous services like Delhi–Lahore are halted. Pakistan’s airspace closure (May 6-8) forced nearby flights to divert: Gulf carriers canceled Pakistan routes and re-routed India-bound flights, and vice versa. Even flights passing nearby (to/from India) avoid the region.

For international travelers, the main impact is longer routes and possible cancellations:

• Avoiding Pakistani Airspace: Flights from Europe or the Middle East to India normally might fly over Pakistan. Now they go south around it. For example, Lufthansa announced it will reroute Europe-India flights via the Middle East. Singapore Airlines and KLM have already stopped using Pakistan’s air corridors. Carriers like China Airlines, EVA, and Thai Airways adjusted schedules to avoid the region. Longer routes mean potential delays of 1–2 hours on long-haul flights.

• Rerouted Flights: Expect more planes flying through the Arabian Peninsula or Central Asia. For instance, Korean Air’s Incheon–Dubai now goes via Bangladesh/Myanmar instead of Pakistan. Qatar Airways and Etihad report similar diversions. The map above visualizes this – notice dense traffic over Oman and UAE, and sparse traffic over Pakistan.

• Cancelled Flights to Pakistan: Major airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad) canceled flights to Pakistani cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar) on May 7. This is mainly a problem if you were planning travel to Pakistan. If so, you must rebook via other routes (e.g. through UAE or Turkey) or postpone until airspace reopens.

• Travel Time Impacts: A travel expert noted that cities like London, Frankfurt, or even Dubai as hubs will see longer journey times for flights to/from India because planes are taking roundabout routes. Travellers connecting through Gulf hubs should factor in possible schedule shifts.

In summary, cross-border travel is extremely limited right now. No direct India–Pakistan flights are operating, and any trip from one country to the other would require multiple connections through third countries. Inbound tourists to India from Europe or the Americas should be prepared for altered flight paths and occasional delays. Always confirm your itinerary and expect updates; airlines like United and Singapore have already cancelled certain flights and will often waive change fees.

Impact on Tourism

The conflict has a dampening effect on tourism for both inbound (foreign visitors to India) and outbound (Indian travellers abroad) travel:

• Inbound Tourism: Countries like the US, UK, China and others have updated travel advisories for the region. For example, the UK FCDO warns against travel “within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border” and the Line of Control. The US Embassy echoed “Do Not Travel” recommendations for border areas. These advisories signal to international tourists to avoid conflict zones (mainly Kashmir/Punjab border areas). While major tourist hubs (Delhi, Agra, Goa, Kerala, etc.) are not directly threatened by the conflict, many travelers may still postpone or reroute trips out of caution. Tour operators report cancellations or requests to change dates for Kashmir tours or India–Pakistan heritage trips.

• Outbound Tourism: Indians planning foreign trips should also stay alert. Any flights that normally route near Pakistan or through Middle Eastern hubs might be longer or canceled, affecting long-haul vacations. Indians visiting Pakistan (for pilgrimage or family) will find flights unavailable and may need visas to transit third countries.

• Hotel and Tour Bookings: With flight uncertainty, many travellers are re-booking flexible hotel tariffs or delaying bookings altogether. Some tour companies are pausing new sales for sensitive regions. It is advisable to delay non-essential travel to the conflict area until the situation stabilizes.

Despite the challenges, not all of India is off-limits. Tourist regions far from the border remain open and safe. The advisories specifically target border and Kashmir areasi, so a typical tourist going to, say, Mumbai, Chennai, or Rajasthan still travels with much lower risk. However, even for those destinations, travelers should allow extra time and maintain flexibility in case itineraries must change.

Traveler Concerns: Safety, Refunds, and Uncertainty

Travelers naturally have three main concerns right now: Is it safe? Will I get a refund? What if my flight is changed? Below we address these common issues:

• Safety: Civil aviation authorities maintain that commercial planes do not fly through conflict zones – they use different airspace. The actual conflict is confined to specific border regions. Air passengers on scheduled flights (to major cities) are not at risk of being targeted. For reassurance, governments emphasize that the advisories apply to areas near the border. As The Independent notes, the UK advised avoiding areas “within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border”. In practice, Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, etc. are far from that zone. Of course, always follow any local instructions and be mindful of heightened security at airports.

• Refunds and Cancellations: Airlines are generally accommodating. Air India, for example, offered a one-time waiver on change fees or a full refund for any ticket during the disruption period. Other carriers have similar policies. For instance, SpiceJet publicly tweeted that passengers with valid tickets to affected airports (Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Kandla, Amritsar, etc.) on May 7 can get rebooked or refunded. IndiGo is cancelling impacted flights and advising travellers to plan accordingly. In short, if your flight was cancelled due to the crisis, you should be able to change it at no extra cost or get your money back – check your airline’s customer service or Skyhawker’s flight-change alert.

• Booking Uncertainty: Given the fluid situation, double-check before you travel. Delhi Airport (DIAL) itself urged: “Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate travel arrangements”. We recommend arriving at the airport early if you must fly, and signing up for real-time alerts. Keep the airline’s app or Skyhawker’s tracking tools active. If flying internationally, be aware that connecting flights (especially through Pakistan or nearby hubs) may have been modified.

• Government Advisories: Monitor official travel advisories from your country. The US Embassy in Pakistan has warned Americans to depart conflict areas if possible, and the UK’s FCDO issued similar guidance. For most tourists, “conflict areas” means border zones. Nevertheless, staying informed through embassy alerts and news updates (e.g. live press releases, embassy social media) is wise.

• Security at Airports: Expect increased security checks. The Independent reported that India conducted civil-defense drills (sirens, mock blackouts) on May 7. Airports may implement extra screenings or drills. Carry valid ID, arrive early, and cooperate with authorities. These measures are precautionary.

Booking Travel During Crisis: Tips and Alternatives

Here are some actionable tips for navigating travel bookings amid the uncertainty:

• Flexible Tickets: When available, book refundable or changeable fares. Airlines often charge extra for flexible tickets, but in crises these allow free date or route changes. Thanks to the current situation, many carriers have waived their usual fees. For new bookings, consider airlines known for lenient policies (check Skyhawker filters for “no-change-fee” options).

• Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with good coverage for trip interruption and medical evacuation. Note: Most standard policies exclude “acts of war”, but they will still cover many emergencies (illness, injury, luggage loss). Confirm with insurers what is covered. Even without official war coverage, insurance can protect against other issues (health issues, other cancellations).

• Alternate Routes and Cities: If your original airport is closed, consider nearby alternatives. For example:

  • Instead of flying into Amritsar (ATQ) or Chandigarh (IXC), fly to Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM) and connect by train or car. Delhi has many daily trains to Chandigarh and Amritsar.

  • For Kashmir travel, fly to Jammu (if reopened) or Srinagar when airlines resume, but until then, consider reaching Jammu by road via Amritsar or Delhi.

  • Internationally, avoid flight routes that would normally cross Pakistan. For instance, flights from Europe to India can connect via the Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Istanbul) rather than flying straight over Pakistan.

  • Consider alternate carriers: Some smaller or Gulf airlines may still operate flights to India that skirt the conflict area. For example, if Emirates or Qatar resumes more India flights, they might have routes avoiding Pakistan.

• Multi-City Booking: If flexibility allows, you can book multi-city tickets: e.g., fly into one city and out of another. This can provide options if one airport shuts down.

• Monitor Airlines & News: Use tools like Skyhawker’s flight alerts to get notified of changes. Check airlines’ X/Twitter feeds and websites – many posted updates (e.g., Air India’s May 7 cancellation notice or SpiceJet’s tweet). Bookmark local news sites (e.g. Times of India, Al Jazeera) for the latest.

• Stay Logged In: Keep your flight reservations accessible via app or email, and register for airline notifications. Some travelers have reported being rebooked automatically by airlines.

• Consider Delay: If your trip is not urgent, you may choose to delay travel until the situation stabilizes (airspace reopens and cancellations drop). Most airlines will allow rebooking to a later date without penalty under force majeure.

• Pack for Security: Arrive at airports early. Expect possible delays at security checks or border control due to extra screening. Keep digital copies of tickets and ID.

Key Takeaways:

• Alternate Routes: Look up flights via Middle East or southern India rather than direct north-west routes.

• Alternate Airports: For example, fly to Delhi instead of Chandigarh or Amritsar, then take ground transit.

• Stay Updated: Keep checking flight status frequently and subscribe to alerts.

• Use Different Carriers: Some international airlines (e.g. Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways) have plenty of alternative connections and may still reach Indian cities via safe routes.

• Book with Flexibility: Select tickets that allow a free name-change or date-change.

Travel Advisory & Safe Travel

Government advisories are an important resource. For example, the UK Foreign Office advised against travel within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, and noted that Pakistan had closed its airspace for 48 hours (impacting flights). The US State Department similarly issued “Do Not Travel” alerts for border/LoC area. China’s foreign ministry also warned citizens to avoid regions close to the conflict.

For most international visitors, the practical advice is: focus on safe travel planning for the rest of India. Remember that tourism hotspots and big cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kerala coast, Rajasthan, etc.) are far from conflict zones. Those destinations remain open and largely unaffected by the border skirmishes. If searching for “safe travel India 2025”, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Avoid any itinerary that takes you near the disputed border. Do not attempt to visit places like the LoC in Kashmir, the Wagah border crossing with Pakistan, or any region under heavy military activity until official advice changes.

• Follow local news and official updates. Conditions can change day-to-day. Government advisories (from your country’s foreign ministry/embassy) will be updated if needed.

• Register your travel plans with your embassy (many governments have a “traveler enrollment” system).

• Always have an emergency plan. Know the location of your embassy or consulate. Keep emergency contact numbers handy.

By keeping destinations safe and remaining flexible, travelers can often proceed with non-cancelled itineraries.

Skyhawker’s Tools for Travelers

Skyhawker offers features to help navigate uncertain travel: real-time flight alerts, flexible booking filters, and travel advisory updates. Use these tools to your advantage:

• Flight Alerts: Turn on Skyhawker’s notifications for your flights. You’ll receive instant alerts for cancellations or delays, so you can rebook early.

• Route Filters: Skyhawker’s search can filter flights by layover and routing. For example, exclude connections in Pakistan/Gulf or prioritize flights via certain hubs.

• Flexible Booking Options: Use the platform’s filter to find refundable or date-changeable fares. Many airlines are offering waivers, and Skyhawker highlights those deals.

• Price Alerts: If you postponed booking, set a price alert. Skyhawker will email you if ticket prices drop or if cheaper alternatives appear on a less-disrupted route.

• Travel Insurance Partners: We recommend adding travel insurance to your booking. Skyhawker partners with insurers to offer protection against cancellations, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions. Given the conflict, a plan with trip-interruption coverage could prove valuable.

• 24/7 Support: If you have questions during the booking process, Skyhawker’s support team is available 24/7 via chat/email. They can help find alternate flights, issue refunds, or explain airline policies.

In short, use Skyhawker to stay flexible and informed. Its tools are designed for situations like this – from changing tickets easily to suggesting back-up routes.

Summary

The India-Pakistan tensions of May 2025 have undoubtedly made travel more complicated. Many flights in northern India and between India/Pakistan are cancelled, and international routes are longer. Travelers should expect uncertainty in their plans. However, by staying informed and flexible, you can still travel safely to most of India:

• Check Updates: Regularly consult airline notices and trusted news sources.

• Plan Alternatives: Identify back-up airports or routes in case of cancellations.

• Use Flexible Options: Book refundable tickets or open bookings; get travel insurance.

• Stay Informed of Advisories: Follow government travel advisories and avoid border areas.

• Leverage Technology: Use flight alert apps (like Skyhawker) to get real-time changes.

Remember that the crisis mainly affects northern and border areas; most of India remains open for tourism. With smart planning and a safe travel (India 2025) mindset, you can minimize disruptions. Skyhawker is here to assist – our tools and experts can help rebook flights, find alternate connections, and ensure you’re covered if plans change.

 

Key Tips:

• Stay Flexible: Choose changeable tickets and insurance.

• Alternate Plans: Identify nearby airports (e.g. Delhi/Mumbai) and alternate routes via Gulf hubs.

• Monitor Flights: Use alerts and check with airlines often.

• Follow Advisories: Avoid conflict zones; heed government travel warnings

Please call SkyHawker at +1 (877) 290 2585 (US & CA) or WhatsApp +1 (302) 580 4343 for any futher clarification and assistance regarding traveling to these countries at this time.