Thousands of flights disrupted by closure of Pakistan's airspace

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Thu Feb 28, 2019

Thousands of flights have been delayed, disputed or canceled by the closure by Pakistan of its airspace for commercial flights after tensions escalated with India. Its airports will only be used for "military purposes" until the airspace is reopened for commercial activities. Pakistan airspace lies directly in the path on the major air route between southern Asia and Europe and many flights are already at the limit of their range - particularly in the northern winter with stronger headwinds. READ Call for a levy to search for MH370 Flights have been diverted south of Pakistan across the Arabian Sea putting more pressure on the heavily used corridor. Pilots are not able in many cases to get the levels they want because of the congestion increasing fuel burn. Some flights have been forced to land to get extra fuel while others will take longer to get to their destination. Many airlines have also canceled services. Passengers are urged to check with their airlines.  

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
Lufthansa tightens rules for power banks in the cabin
Airline News

Lufthansa tightens rules for power banks in the cabin

Jan 21, 2026

Josh Wood
Allegiant Air's acquisition of Sun Country: What does this mean for US leisure travel?
Airline News

Allegiant Air's acquisition of Sun Country: What does this mean for US leisure travel?

Jan 20, 2026

Josh Wood
Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42-500 wreckage found
Airline News

Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42-500 wreckage found

Jan 19, 2026

Josh Wood
United A321neo loses a wheel on landing
Airline News

United A321neo loses a wheel on landing

Jan 19, 2026

Josh Wood

Featured articles

View more
World's safest airline rankings for 2026
Airline News

World's safest airline rankings for 2026

Jan 13, 2026

Airline Ratings
Another Low-Cost Carrier Adds Long Haul to Its Arsenal
Airline News

Another Low-Cost Carrier Adds Long Haul to Its Arsenal

Jul 3, 2025

Airline Ratings
How Safe Are Indian Airlines? Here’s What AirlineRatings.com Says
Airline News

How Safe Are Indian Airlines? Here’s What AirlineRatings.com Says

Jun 16, 2025

Airline Ratings
Etihad A321LR Economy Class Review
Airline Ratings review

Etihad A321LR Economy Class Review

Dec 29, 2025

Josh Wood