Choosing alternative flight routes to avoid India-Pakistan conflict

Planes of Vietnamese airlines at Noi Bai International Airport. Photo: Vietnam+

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has just sent a document to Vietnamese airlines about the plan to ensure aviation safety in the event of a military conflict between India and Pakistan.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam recommends that airlines regularly monitor developments of the armed conflict between India and Pakistan to proactively assess the impact on flights to, from, and over Indian and Pakistani territory.

"Vietnamese airlines must review current operating plans and air routes to select alternative air routes (if necessary), ensuring that aircraft operate to avoid affected areas, air routes, and airports," the leader of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam requested.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam also recommends that airlines do not choose as backup airports airports that have been announced to be closed (if any) or airports located near affected airspace areas.

In addition, airlines need to promptly inform passengers in case flight plans are changed due to military conflicts. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties or problems, airlines must report to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam for timely consideration and resolution.

Following information from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority regarding the temporary closure of airspace from 2:55 a.m. on May 7, 2025 (Vietnam time), Vietnam Airlines has proactively adjusted flight routes and flight plans between Vietnam and Europe to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

According to a representative of Vietnam Airlines, in the coming time, flights between Vietnam and Europe may continue to be adjusted depending on the situation in the region. The airline is closely monitoring updates from the authorities and will promptly inform passengers if there are any changes related to the flight itinerary.

“Adjusting flight routes may result in longer flight times and additional operating costs. However, this is a necessary step that demonstrates Vietnam Airlines’ top priority in ensuring absolute safety for passengers, crew and flights, a principle that the airline puts first in all circumstances,” a Vietnam Airlines representative emphasized.

In Asia, for safety reasons, some Asian airlines are also rerouting or canceling flights to and from Europe due to fighting between India and Pakistan.

Specifically, Taiwanese airline EVA Air (China) has redirected flights to and from Vienna.

Meanwhile, Korean Air has avoided Pakistani airspace for flights between Incheon (South Korea) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

Taiwan's China Airlines said it had activated its contingency plan and "taken a series of measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew."

VN (according to Vietnam+)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/lua-chon-duong-bay-thay-the-tranh-xung-dot-an-do-pakistan-411096.html