In response to Indian airstrikes, Pakistani authorities imposed a nationwide high-security alert on Wednesday morning, suspending flight operations at several key airports. However, Pakistan’s Airports Authority has reopened the airspace over Lahore and Karachi.

More than two dozen commercial flights were diverted to avoid Pakistan’s airspace.

By Wednesday morning local time, airlines had cancelled 52 flights to or from Pakistan, according to FlightRadar24.

The measures were implemented as a precaution amid escalating tensions and perceived acts of aggression from India.

A late-night military clash between Pakistan and India has led to the closure of Islamabad International Airport, forcing all flights to be rerouted to Karachi and causing major disruptions to international air traffic, especially on Asia-Europe routes.

The clash escalated after India reportedly launched an attack on Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. In response, the Pakistani military claims to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and destroyed a brigade headquarters, further intensifying regional tensions.

As a result, several Asian airlines have taken precautionary measures. Taiwan’s EVA Air announced rerouting of its Europe-bound flights to avoid the conflict-affected airspace.

A Vienna-bound flight was turned back mid-journey, while a Taipei-Milan service was rerouted to stop in Vienna for refueling before continuing.

South Korea’s Korean Air has also adjusted its routes to steer clear of Pakistani airspace. The airline operates flights between Incheon and Dubai and has confirmed its avoidance of the affected area, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.

Taiwan’s China Airlines has activated an emergency response plan and implemented additional safety protocols, though it has not disclosed specifics. The airline canceled its nonstop London flight on Wednesday, as per information from Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei.

These developments compound existing airspace challenges for Taiwanese carriers. Before the Russia-Ukraine war, most Europe-bound flights from Taiwan transited Russian airspace.

However, due to Taiwan’s participation in Western sanctions against Russia, airlines are now barred from using Russian airspace, relying instead on routes through India, Pakistan, and Central Asia—many of which are now disrupted by the current conflict.

Some flights from India to Europe were also seen taking longer routes. Lufthansa flight LH761 from Delhi to Frankfurt turned right towards the Arabian Sea near the western Indian city of Surat, taking a longer path compared to Tuesday, according to FlightRadar24.