Air France said in a statement: “The airline has decided to suspend overflight of Pakistan until further notice,” citing the “recent evolution of tensions” between India and Pakistan.
The carrier said it was altering its flight schedule and flight plans with destinations such as Delhi, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh, entailing longer flight times.
Swiss, owned by Lufthansa Group, said the airline will rebook passengers who miss connecting flights free of charge.
Airlines have also been reacting to developments in the Middle East, with European and US carriers cancelling flights for several days after a missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Sunday landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.
Besides the longer distances and higher fuel costs for airlines, Pakistan may see a drop in its earnings from overflight fees, which can run into hundreds of dollars a flight, depending on aircraft weight and distance covered. Pakistan’s reserves with the central bank stand at US$10.2 billion, barely enough to cover two months’ worth of imports.
“It could have a significant impact on some foreign airlines who rely heavily on Pakistan airspace as well as for Pakistan, given the loss of overflight revenues,” independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie said.
Pakistan’s civil aviation authority declined to comment.
