Thai Airways International (THAI) announced on Wednesday that it had begun rerouting flights bound for Europe and South Asia following the closure of Pakistani airspace and airports, a result of escalating tensions in South Asia.
The airline warned that the changes could lead to delays for some services.
Multiple Asian carriers also confirmed on Wednesday that they were rerouting or cancelling flights to and from Europe as a result of fighting between India and Pakistan.
The conflict intensified after India launched attacks on targets in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir.
In response, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, marking the most serious confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in over two decades.
Taiwan’s EVA Air confirmed adjustments to its European routes, citing safety concerns over the conflict.
The airline stated that one flight from Vienna was diverted back to the Austrian capital, while a flight from Taipei to Milan was rerouted to Vienna for refuelling before proceeding to its final destination.
South Korea’s Korean Air also began rerouting its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights on Wednesday, now opting for a southern corridor passing through Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India to avoid Pakistani airspace.
Vietnam Airlines reported disruptions to its flight plans and said further details on adjusted schedules would be provided later.
Taiwan’s China Airlines activated its contingency plan, implementing what it described as a “series of measures” to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, though it did not elaborate.
According to Taoyuan International Airport’s website, Wednesday’s China Airlines non-stop flight to London had been cancelled.
Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many Europe-bound flights from Taiwan flew over Russian territory.
However, after Taipei joined Western sanctions on Moscow, Taiwanese carriers have been barred from using Russian airspace and now typically fly over India, Pakistan, and Central Asia—routes currently affected by the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.
