Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air have suspended flights to and from Amritsar, India due to heightened tensions in the region. Both airlines have cited security and safety concerns as reasons for the cancellations, promising to monitor the situation closely.
In addition to suspending flights between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar, Malaysia Airlines had rerouted flights MH2 to London Heathrow and MH22 to Paris Charles de Gaulle after the closure of Pakistani airspace. The two long-haul flights were diverted to Doha, Qatar on Tuesday for refuelling before continuing the journey to their respective destinations.
Meanwhile, Batik Air has confirmed the cancellation of flights to and from Lahore, Pakistan along with flights to and from Amritsar. According to the airline, the affected flights are on 7 and 8 May 2025. The details of the flights are as follows:
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Lahore (LHE): Flight OD131 on May 7 and 8 (5.35PM local time)
- Lahore (LHE) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Flight OD132 on May 7 and 8 (9.35PM local time)
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Amritsar (ATQ): Flight OD271 on May 7 (6.40PM local time)
- Amritsar (ATQ) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Flight OD272 on May 7 (11.05PM local time)
Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air are not the only airlines to cancel or divert flights due to the ongoing tensions. Taiwan’s EVA Air announced that it will adjust its flights to and from Europe to avoid the affected airspace. Korean Air has also rerouted its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights to avoid Pakistani airspace.
The changing airline schedules are the result of escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. According to a Pakistan army spokesperson, 57 international flights were operating in Pakistani airspace when the attacks occurred.
(Source: The Star, The Edge Malaysia)
