Muscat flights disrupted as India-Pakistan tensions force airspace changes

MUSCAT : According to the flight status on www.muscatairport.co.om, Oman-based budget carrier SalamAir has cancelled its Wednesday flights from Lahore, Peshawar, and Sialkot to Muscat. Additionally, Fly Jinnah’s flight from Lahore to the Omani capital has also been called off.

The cancellations come amid a growing regional crisis sparked by a recent massacre of tourists, which triggered retaliatory military strikes by India into Pakistani-controlled territory. At least eight people have been killed and dozens injured in the strikes, according to Pakistani officials. India claims it was targeting infrastructure used by militants.

While details are still emerging, international media report that the escalation of tensions has prompted several global carriers to reroute flights as a precautionary measure.

Reports state that Pakistan has closed its airspace entirely, while northern India has suspended services at several airports. As a result, Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have halted flights into affected areas in both countries.

European airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways are also avoiding Pakistani airspace, rerouting flights across alternative corridors; Asian carriers such as Thai Airways, Korean Air, and Taiwan’s EVA Air have made similar adjustments, citing safety concerns.