CNN
–
Several major airlines have shunned flights through Pakistan in relation to nearby Indian craters in the wake of a recent tourist genocide.
In a statement to CNN, Air France said it had suspended flights across the South Asian country until further notice due to “the recent evolution of tensions between India and Pakistan.”
The airline has “adapted flight schedules and flight plans to specific destinations,” said the French flag airline, which said it would require longer flight times to add some routes.
“Air France is constantly monitoring the development of the geopolitical situation in the overflowing territory, where aircraft serve and to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security,” Air France said.
German flag carrier Ruftansa confirmed to Reuters that he “avoids Pakistan’s airspace until it notifies him.”
The travel disruption comes two weeks after extremists massacred 26 civilians, mainly tourists, in Pahargam, a mountainous region of Kashmir, controlled by India.
India quickly placed blame for the attack on Pakistan, which has long been accused of having extremist groups. Pakistan has denied involvement, and tensions are rising with a series of intense escalation between the two neighbors.
Both sides have already closed their airspace to each other’s aircraft since the attack, but the rising tensions are now affecting other international airlines, and burning longer routes could be costly, as they burn extra fuel.
Airlines have already had to pay attention to other major flashpoints in recent years, including areas close to the front lines of the Middle East and Ukraine and Russia.
Flight tracking data showed British Airways, Swiss Airlines International and several Emirates flights travelling through the Arabian Sea and heading north towards Delhi to avoid Pakistan’s airspace, Reuters reported.
One of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints, Kashmir is partly controlled by India and Pakistan, but both countries have fully argued for it. The two nuclear-armed rivals have fought three wars over mountainous regions, which are now divided by de facto borders called the Control (LOC) since their independence from Britain nearly 80 years ago.
The massacre of tourists led India and Pakistan to sprint through both countries, bent their military muscles.
Pakistan conducted its second missile test in three days on Monday, Reuters reported.
The Pakistani Army said the missiles tested were Fatah series surface-to-surface missiles ranging from 120 km (75 miles). It came two days after the successful launch of the surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
India also ordered all states and coalition territories to perform mock security drills on Wednesday.
It was a few days after the Indian Navy said it had carried out a test missile strike to reconsider and demonstrate its platform, systems and crew preparation for a long-range precision offensive strike.
Tensions are rising despite the two major global players urging restraints.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both India and Pakistan on Monday to “avoid military conflicts that are beyond easy control.”
“Don’t make mistakes. Military solutions are not solutions,” he added.
