Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Thai Airways cancels all flights to Europe amid India-Pakistan crisis

The move is in response to Pakistan closing its airspace

Helen Coffey
Wednesday 27 February 2019 17:33 GMT
Comments
Indian pilots captured after being shot down by Pakistan forces

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thai Airways cancelled all flights to Europe on Wednesday 27 February, leaving thousands of visitors stranded.

Thailand’s national carrier made the decision in response to Pakistan closing its airspace after it claimed two Indian military jets were shot down while crossing the border dividing Kashmir.

Flights have since resumed.

The airline said it was waiting for permission to use other routes to fly into Europe that don’t cross Pakistan’s airspace.

All its Europe-bound flights were suspended, and one flight that had already taken off earlier in the day had to turn back.

Hundreds of travellers were waiting at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok following the cancellations.

Backpacker Nicolle Paisley, who was on the flight which had to return, told the Daily Mail passengers were in the dark about when their flights would be rescheduled and said they’d been given no food or drink while they wait.

Thai Airways flights from Bangkok to Europe are all cancelled
Thai Airways flights from Bangkok to Europe are all cancelled (bangkokairportonline.com)

“The conflict situation between Pakistan and India has affected Thai Airways flights,” said Thai Airways president Sumeth Damrongchaitham.

“Flights also had to turn back to Bangkok, including the London and Frankfurt flights.

“By closing the airspace, every flight from Thailand to Europe has been affected. For flights that are going to depart this evening we will call an urgent meeting to consider the impact of such events.”

The airline flies to 13 European destinations: the UK, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, France, Russia, Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Rome and Milan in Italy and Austria.

Other airlines have also been affected. Air Canada has cancelled all flights to India, with flight tracking site FlightRadar24 showing that one service from Toronto to Delhi was forced to turn back while flying over Sweden. Passengers will have spent 13 hours onboard to end up back where they started.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to eight cities in India and Pakistan; Qatar flights that normally cross India-Pakistan airspace may be delayed due to rerouting.

Gulf Air has suspended all flights to and from Pakistan, while Emirates, Etihad and SriLankan Airlines have also cancelled some services.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in