Pahalgam Terror Attack: Air India, IndiGo reroute international flights after Pakistan shuts airspace, Wagah border crossing for India

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has closed its airspace and the Wagah border crossing to Indian airlines. In response, major carriers—Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air—have issued advisories to passengers. Air India stated that some of its flights may need to take alternative routes, while IndiGo has urged passengers to check the latest flight status for updates.

Airlines Advisory: What Air India Says  

Air India announced that due to Pakistan's closure of its airspace to Indian airlines, several of its flights will be rerouted.

The advisory states:  
"Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control."

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused…

— Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025

Air India further emphasised:  
"We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority. To check if your flight is affected by this disruption, please call our Contact Centre on 011 69329333, 011 69329999 or visit our website http://airindia.com."  
This message was also shared via the airline’s official handle on the social media platform X.

Airlines Advisory: IndiGo’s International Flights Affected  

IndiGo issued a similar advisory:  
"In light of airspace closure by Pakistan for Indian airlines, schedules of a few of our international flights are impacted. We understand this may cause inconvenience to our customers, which our teams are working hard to minimise as much as possible. Our teams will be in touch with impacted customers, keeping them informed and offering alternate solutions."

#6ETravelAdvisory: In view of the ongoing situation and Pakistan air space closure, a few international flight schedules may be impacted. We’re working to minimise the inconvenience. Check your flight status https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV and rebooking options https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP pic.twitter.com/mdnVObO0ON

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 24, 2025

Airlines Advisory: Akasa Air Adds Flights Between Mumbai and Srinagar  

In a proactive response, Akasa Air announced the operation of four additional flights between Mumbai and Srinagar on April 24.

The advisory reads: 
In the interest of the travelling customers and continued connectivity in the region:

• Akasa Air is operating four additional flights between Mumbai and Srinagar on 24th April 2025. Bookings can be made through Akasa Air's app and website.
• Akasa Air has extended the waiver period to offer greater flexibility to travelers to and from Srinagar. Customers who wish to cancel their bookings will be provided with a full refund at no additional charge for all flights departing between 23rd April 2025 and 7th May 2025 to/from Srinagar.
• Customers can now make their first schedule change without penalty or fare difference, with the new travel date extended to May 7, 2025. 

Political Developments Behind the Closure 

Pakistan’s decision followed a high-level emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday. The NSC endorsed recommendations from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading to the immediate closure of airspace for Indian airlines.

Additionally, Islamabad warned that India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would be considered an "act of war," and stated that Pakistan would use its national power to counter any unilateral decisions by India on this issue.