10 hours Ago
Air France has confirmed that it is no longer flying over Pakistan, citing "the recent evolution of tensions between India and Pakistan." The airline is now changing flight plans and schedules for some routes, which may lead to longer travel times. Lufthansa, Germany's main airline, also stated it is avoiding Pakistani airspace "until further notice."
Flight data has shown British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Emirates adjusting their routes, flying over the Arabian Sea and turning north to reach Delhi, bypassing Pakistan. These diversions could result in increased fuel costs and additional flight time.
India has blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack, an accusation Pakistan denies. Since then, both countries have shut their airspaces to each other's flights, and tensions have grown with both nations engaging in military displays. Pakistan recently carried out two missile tests within three days, including the launch of a Fatah surface-to-surface missile with a 120-kilometer (75-mile) range.
India, meanwhile, has directed all its states and union territories to conduct rare mock security drills across 244 areas labeled as "civil defense districts." The Indian navy has also tested long-range precision strike missiles.
Kashmir remains a sensitive conflict zone, claimed fully by both India and Pakistan but split between them by the Line of Control (LOC). The region has triggered three wars between the nuclear-armed rivals since they gained independence from Britain nearly 80 years ago.
The global community is urging calm. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against military confrontation, stating, "A military solution is no solution." The United States and China have also called for restraint.
Tensions have extended beyond politics and military posturing. India has suspended its participation in the long-standing Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, which governs the use of water from the Indus River system—a crucial resource for both countries. Reports from Indian media claim that India has reduced water flow from the Baglihar Dam in Kashmir into Pakistan through the Chenab River. Pakistani officials say they have protested but received no response from India.
The situation may have serious economic consequences for Pakistan. A report from Moody's noted that prolonged tension with India could damage Pakistan's economic growth, delay its efforts at fiscal recovery, and limit its access to international financial support. This comes shortly after Pakistan secured a $7 billion IMF bailout to address ongoing economic struggles.
Moody's also said India is unlikely to face major economic effects from the conflict due to its limited financial ties with Pakistan.
Cultural ties are also fraying. India has blocked the social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities. The release of the Indian film Abir Gulaal, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, has reportedly been canceled. Khan had recently announced his return to Bollywood, sparking excitement among fans. He had not appeared in Indian films since 2016, when tensions rose after a militant attack killed several Indian soldiers in Kashmir, leading to a ban on Pakistani talent in Indian cinema.
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